Dantewada: In a pathbreaking move, the tribal women of CG’s Dantewada have taken up the responsibility of operating an eatery in the Naxal-dominated region.

Manva Dhaba- an eatery that came into existence in May in Bade Karli village on Geedam-Bijapur Road in a bid to generate livelihood. The operations of the Dhaba are overseen by the women of SHG. Around 10 women of the group named Boss Bodin associated with the gauthan have been looking after the management, close sources revealed.

The 3,000 sq ft eatery that serves both veg and non-veg food is funded by the District Mineral Foundation. Located 6 km from Geedam town this spot has become popular among locals and recorded a sale of Rs 20,000 per day. An audit has disclosed that each member of the group is minting 5k-6k per month. This initiative has made women self-reliant and helped them contribute to their families’ finances, the official said.

Talking to reporters, Dantewada collector Vinit Nadanwar said these tribal women have come together by breaking stereotypes and have taken up roles that were once dominated by men. He further shed light on the emergence of this concept under the Bhupesh Baghel vision which aspired to develop gauthans into multi-activity centres and generate livelihood earning sources for housewives.