Lakhpati Didi is an initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development to help women in self help groups (SHGs) earn a sustainable income of at least Rs 1 lakh a year. It is part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). Here is a simple guide.
Who is a Lakhpati Didi
A Lakhpati Didi is an SHG member whose household earns an annual income of Rs 1 lakh or more, sustained over time, with an average monthly income of over Rs 10,000. The income can come from farming, livestock, small business, services or a mix of activities.
The target
The government first set a target of making two crore SHG women Lakhpati Didis. In the Interim Budget of February 2024, it raised the target to three crore.
How women are supported
- Livelihood planning: each SHG household plans activities to raise income.
- Skill training: in areas like farming methods, food processing, tailoring, LED bulb making, plumbing and drone operation.
- Credit: SHGs get bank loans at subsidised interest rates, along with revolving funds and community investment funds under DAY-NRLM.
- Market access: help with branding, packaging, fairs, e-commerce and government procurement.
- Digital tools: training in digital payments and bookkeeping.
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Namo Drone Didi
Under the Namo Drone Didi scheme, selected women SHGs receive agricultural drones with central assistance, so they can offer spraying services to farmers and earn extra income.
How to join
- Join or form a self help group in your village through the State Rural Livelihoods Mission.
- Take part in regular savings and meetings.
- Prepare a livelihood plan with help from community resource persons.
- Apply for training and credit through the SHG federation.
Who runs it
DAY-NRLM is run in each state by the State Rural Livelihoods Mission, such as JEEViKA in Bihar or UPSRLM in Uttar Pradesh. Block and district units support SHGs on the ground.
Why it matters
SHGs have become a major force in rural India, with crores of women members. Raising their income improves household nutrition, children’s education and women’s say in family decisions.
Where to check progress
The Ministry of Rural Development shares progress on Lakhpati Didis through press releases on the PIB website and on the DAY-NRLM portal. State missions also publish district wise figures and success stories.
Bottom line
Lakhpati Didi aims to turn SHG women into steady earners of at least Rs 1 lakh a year through skills, credit and markets. Joining an SHG under DAY-NRLM is the first step.
Source / स्रोत: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, National Rural Livelihoods Mission, Ministry of Rural Development, Press Information Bureau
