Lakhpati Didi Initiative (GS Paper 2, Government Policies)
Why in News?
- Recently, the Prime Minister of India participated in the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Maharashtra, highlighting the significance of this event in promoting rural women's empowerment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- This gathering emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the economic status of rural women and their contribution to India's growing economy.
Key Highlights of the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan
Certificates and Felicitations:
- The Prime Minister awarded certificates and recognized 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis.
- These women achieved a milestone of earning an annual income of ₹1 lakh or more during the third term of the current government.
Financial Disbursements:
- A substantial revolving fund of ₹2,500 crore was allocated, benefiting approximately 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh SHGs.
- Additionally, ₹5,000 crore in bank loans were disbursed to support 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs.
Cultural and Economic Significance:
- The Prime Minister underscored the crucial role of women in the rural economy, noting their impact on India’s economic ascent to the position of the third-largest global economy.
- This shift represents a move from historical neglect towards active empowerment and support.
What is the Lakhpati Didi Initiative?
About the Initiative:
- A “Lakhpati Didi” refers to a member of an SHG who has successfully achieved an annual household income of ₹1 lakh or more, sustained over at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles.
- This ensures an average monthly income exceeding ₹10,000.
- The initiative is part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), aimed at encouraging SHG households to engage in multiple livelihood activities and value chain interventions for sustainable income.
Purpose:
- The primary goal is to empower women by enhancing their income and transforming their lives through sustainable livelihood practices.
- These women become role models, demonstrating effective resource management and entrepreneurship within their communities.
Lakhpati Didi Strategy:
Diversified Livelihood Options:
- The initiative focuses on expanding and deepening livelihood options for SHG members.
- Community Resource Persons assist in planning and linking resources through digital tools.
Implementation Support:
- SHG members receive timely support including assets (inputs, equipment, infrastructure), skills (knowledge and practical skills), access to finance (bank linkage, departmental schemes), and market access (branding, packaging, e-commerce).
Capacity Building:
- Structured training programs are regularly conducted for Mission Staff, community institutions, and SHG members to enhance their livelihood activities.
Convergence and Partnerships:
- The initiative leverages convergence with various government schemes and forms partnerships with private sector entities to mobilize technical, financial, and capacity-building resources.
Achievements:
- Since the inception of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana in 2023, approximately one crore women have become Lakhpati Didis.
- The government has increased the target from 2 crore to 3 crore, acknowledging the success of 83 lakh SHGs comprising 9 crore women who have transformed the rural socio-economic landscape.
- Over ₹6,000 crore has been disbursed to numerous women SHGs across India, highlighting the scale and impact of the initiative.
Conclusion
- The Lakhpati Didi initiative stands as a significant testament to India's commitment to empowering rural women through structured and sustainable economic interventions.
- By fostering self-help groups and providing extensive support, the initiative has transformed the livelihoods of millions, contributing to broader economic growth and gender equity.
- The recent Lakhpati Didi Sammelan, marked by substantial financial disbursements and widespread recognition, underscores the ongoing success and ambitious future goals of this transformative program.
