PM Modi Sets New Target: 6 Crore Lakhpati Didis For Women Empowerment

On the historic occasion of India's 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the 13th consecutive time. The atmosphere was filled with patriotic fervor as the Prime Minister began his speech with a resonant mention of Vande Mataram and the National Tricolor. He observed that today, the spirit of Vande Mataram echoes in every heart, the Tiranga flies high at every home, and the national flag has found a permanent place in the soul of every citizen. Amidst this celebratory environment, the Prime Minister made a landmark announcement regarding women's empowerment, focusing on the significant progress and future goals of the Lakhpati Didi scheme.

Expansion of the Lakhpati Didi Target

During his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing the economic status of rural women. He announced that after successfully achieving the initial target of creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis across the country, the government has now set a new and more ambitious goal. The Prime Minister stated that the government now aims to make 6 crore women Lakhpati Didis. This move is seen as a major step towards deepening the impact of financial independence among women in rural India. The Ministry of Rural Development had previously indicated that the target of creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis had already been achieved by December 2025. Building on this success, the government now intends to connect an additional 3 crore women with sustainable and diverse livelihood activities to ensure a continuous increase in their income.

What is the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?

The Lakhpati Didi scheme was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2023. Following the announcement, the scheme was officially launched in the year 2024. The primary objective of this initiative is to ensure that the annual household income of rural women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) reaches at least 1,00,000 rupees or more on a sustainable basis. This ambitious program is being implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

Defining a Lakhpati Didi

A Lakhpati Didi is defined as a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) whose annual family income is 1,00,000 rupees or more. To ensure the sustainability and consistency of this income, the calculation is based on at least four agricultural seasons and/or business cycles where the average monthly income exceeds 10,000 rupees. This rigorous definition ensures that the economic upliftment isn't temporary but a permanent change in the financial status of the household. The Lakhpati program facilitates a wide range of livelihood activities by ensuring synergy between all government departments, ministries, the private sector, and market participants.

Implementation Strategy and Support

The strategy for creating Lakhpati Didis involves a comprehensive approach that includes focused planning and timely support across various domains. This includes providing necessary assets, financial assistance, market linkages, and technological support, while the implementation of the scheme is closely monitored at all levels to ensure that the benefits reach the intended recipients effectively. By integrating resources from various sectors, the government aims to provide a solid ecosystem where rural women can thrive as entrepreneurs and contributors to the national economy.