Giribala Das, an elderly widow living in Ward No. 1, Dhubri, Assam, has been selling pakoras on the roadside for 40 years. She survives on the income she earns from selling pakoras. Her inspiring story of resilience and determination has caught the attention of many. Despite her financial struggles, she continues to work hard and make the best of her situation.
The daily struggle of Giribala Das
Giribala Das sets up her pakora shop on the side of the highway every evening. Her daily earnings used to be around 300 to 400 rupees, which helped her meet her daily expenses. However, with the rise of fast food culture, there has been a surge in demand for her pakoras, and now she can sell them for 250 to 300 rupees daily. Despite the increase in sales, Giribala Das’ earnings are barely enough to make ends meet.
Her wish for a house under PMAY
Although Giribala Das receives government ration, her biggest wish is to get a house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme. The Indian government launched the PMAY scheme to provide affordable housing to the urban poor. Giribala Das’ desire for a house is understandable, given that she has lived in poverty for most of her life.
The challenges Faced by the urban poor
Giribala Das’ story reminds us of the challenges faced by the urban poor in India. Poverty, lack of education, and unemployment are some of the factors that make it difficult for the poor to break out of the cycle of poverty. In many cases, the urban poor has to resort to informal and low-paying jobs, like street vending, to make ends meet.
The role of government schemes
Government schemes like the PMAY can make a significant difference in the lives of the urban poor. The PMAY scheme aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor by providing them with financial assistance to build or buy a house. The scheme also offers subsidies to those who want to borrow to build or buy a home. Such systems can help the urban poor improve their living conditions and give them a sense of security.
The importance of supporting small businesses
Giribala Das’ story also highlights the importance of supporting small businesses. Street vending is an essential source of income for many people in India, especially the urban poor. By buying from street vendors like Giribala Das, people can support small businesses and contribute to the local economy. Moreover, street vendors like Giribala Das are essential in providing affordable and accessible food to people who cannot afford to eat at restaurants.
Conclusion
Giribala Das‘ story is a testament to the human spirit and the power of resilience. Despite her financial struggles, she continues to work hard and make the best of her situation. Her story also sheds light on the challenges faced by the urban poor in India and the role that government schemes and support for small businesses can play in improving their lives. Giribala Das’ story inspires us to appreciate the small things in life and work hard to achieve our goals, no matter the circumstances.
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