Lakhpati Didi - Transforming Lives in Chhattisgarh

• 13 Sep 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Lakhpati Didi Yojana has significantly impacted women's lives in Chhattisgarh by supporting them through various self-help group (SHG) initiatives, helping them become self-reliant and financially empowered.

Key Points

• Lakhpati Didi Yojana: The scheme, launched by the Central Government, aims to make 35,000 women in the district lakhpatis.
  • A "Lakhpati Didi" is a member of a SHG who has successfully achieved an annual household income of Rupees One Lakh or more.
    • This income is sustained across at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles, ensuring that the average monthly income exceeds Rupees Ten Thousand (Rs. 10,000).
    • It was initiated by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), wherein each SHG household is encouraged to take up multiple livelihood activities coupled with value chain interventions, resulting in a sustainable income of Rs. 1,00,000 or more per year.
  • Purpose: The initiative aims to empower women not only by improving their income but by transforming their lives through sustainable livelihood practices.
    • These women serve as role models in their communities, demonstrating the power of effective resource management and entrepreneurship.
• Achievements: Since the inception of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana in 2023, one crore women have already been made Lakhpati Didis and the government announced the enhancement of the target for Lakhpati Didi from 2 crore to 3 crore, recognising the success of 83 lakh SHGs with 9 crore women transforming the rural socio-economic landscape.
  • Positive changes reported in Lundra development block (Chhattisgarh).
  • Personal Experience of Shobha Lakra:
    • Group: Champa Mahila Swayam Sahayata Samuh
    • Activities: Goats and sheep rearing
    • Benefits: Knowledge of government schemes, mutual support, loans, and earning over ₹1 lakh annually