06/08/2026
From 15 PP Sacks to 42,000: AROHI’s Journey of Women-led Livelihoods
The AROHI Project of 4S India is working with households (HHs) rehabilitated from the Jharia Coal Mine area to Belgaria Township, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and supporting women’s economic empowerment.
Every successful journey begins with a single step. For the AROHI Project, that first step was taken on 22 February 2026, with a simple purchase of 15 polypropylene (PP) sacks from a local shop in Jharia. What seemed like a small experiment has now grown into a remarkable livelihood movement that is changing the lives of rural women.
The vision was clear to convert PP sacks into durable, reusable shopping bags while creating sustainable income opportunities for women. The first few weeks were spent developing prototypes, training women in stitching techniques, and selecting skilled artisans. As the quality of the products improved and confidence grew, so did the scale of the initiative.
The numbers tell an extraordinary story. The project progressed from 50 sacks to 150, then 500, 1,000, and today 42,000 sacks in just five months. Behind these numbers are determined women who are building brighter futures for themselves and their families.
More than 30 women were professionally trained in the initial phase, and through CBSG groups, many more women were identified and brought into the programme. Today, 40 women are actively engaged, earning regular incomes, enhancing their skills, and gaining financial confidence. The project is now planning to engage 400 didis.
Recognizing that sustainable livelihoods require more than production alone, the AROHI team established reliable supply chains for webbing, thread, and piping while simultaneously building strong market linkages. Four buyers were identified, ensuring stable demand for the products.
One of the biggest challenges was finding a business model that would provide fair returns for the women while remaining commercially sustainable. This breakthrough came with the partnership of M/s Jaydayal Packaging Pvt. Ltd., Amethi, which provided the market confidence and viable margins needed to scale the enterprise.
Today, what started with just 15 sacks has evolved into an operation handling 42,000 sacks. More importantly, it has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and opportunity for women from rehabilitated households.
The AROHI Project of 4S India demonstrates that when innovation is combined with community participation, skill development, and market access, even the smallest ideas can create lasting impact.
