The government is taking strong steps to make women financially independent through different welfare schemes.
One of the most impactful initiatives in this direction is the Lakhpati Didi Scheme.
This program focuses on helping women increase their income, build skills, and start their own businesses so they can lead a more secure and confident life.
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What is the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?
The Lakhpati Didi Scheme is run under the Ministry of Rural Development through the DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission).
The government has raised its target from 2 crore to 3 crore women under this scheme.
A woman is called a Lakhpati Didi when her family earns at least ₹1 lakh per year or she earns ₹10,000 per month consistently for four agricultural seasons or business cycles.
The aim is to create steady and sustainable income, not just one-time earnings.
Skill training that creates income
Under this scheme, women are given practical training to help them find jobs or start small businesses.
The focus is on skills that can generate regular income.
Training includes modern and technical skills like drone flying and maintenance under the Namo Drone Didi initiative.
Women are also trained in LED bulb manufacturing, plumbing, tailoring, and other entrepreneurial activities that have good demand in local markets.
Easy loans and financial support
Women who are members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can get bank loans without any collateral.
Banks provide loans of up to ₹20 lakh to SHGs, helping women start or grow their businesses without financial stress.
The government also gives direct financial support to SHGs.
Each group receives a revolving fund of ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 to manage small internal loans.
In addition, SHGs can receive up to ₹2.5 lakh as a Community Investment Fund, which supports income-generating and social activities.
Interest subsidy and banking benefits
To reduce the loan burden, the government offers interest subsidy on loans up to ₹1.5 lakh.
This makes repayment easier for women entrepreneurs.
Women SHG members who have Jan Dhan bank accounts also get an overdraft facility of up to ₹5,000.
This helps them access money quickly during emergencies or business needs.
Who can apply for the scheme?
To benefit from the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, a woman must be a member of a Self-Help Group.
The scheme mainly targets women living in rural areas.
Basic documents required include an Aadhaar card, SHG membership proof, bank account details, and a registered mobile number.
Gorakhpur’s Lakhpati Didi meets the Prime Minister
Mansha Devi from Gorakhpur is a shining example of how this scheme is changing lives.
In just one year, she transformed her financial condition and became a Lakhpati Didi.
Earlier earning very little, she now works as an e-rickshaw trainer.
Her monthly income has risen to ₹20,000–₹30,000, taking her annual earnings to around ₹2.5–3 lakh.
In recognition of her success, she will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on January 26.