Lakhpati Didi Scheme: Empowering Rural Women for a Prosperous India

The Lakhpati Didi Scheme is a flagship women empowerment initiative launched under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. A “Lakhpati Didi” is a woman who is a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) and earns a sustainable annual Income of ₹1,00,000 or more, averaging over ₹10,000 per month for at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles.

When was Lakhpati Didi Scheme Launched?

The scheme was launched in 2023 with the goal of transforming rural India by empowering women through economic self-reliance. As of 2025, it is being scaled up to cover 3 crore rural women, up from the original target of 2 crore.

Key Objectives of the Scheme

• Create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2025.
• Enhance sustainable livelihood opportunities for SHG women.
• Promote rural entrepreneurship, skills training, and Market linkages.
• Strengthen Financial Inclusion and Bank linkages for SHGs.
• Integrate with various government schemes for convergence and support.

Which Ministry Launched the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?

The Ministry of Rural Development is the nodal ministry responsible for implementing the Lakhpati Didi Scheme under the broader umbrella of DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission).

Lakhpati Didi Scheme – State List and Reach

The scheme is being implemented across all Indian states and Union Territories, including rural belts of:

• Assam
• Bihar
• Uttar Pradesh
• Jharkhand
• Maharashtra
• Madhya Pradesh
• Odisha
• Chhattisgarh
• West Bengal
• Rajasthan ...and many more.

Key Achievements

• Over 1 crore women have already become Lakhpati Didis.
• 83 lakh SHGs now house 9 crore rural women across India.
• Government released:
  • ₹2,500 crore in revolving funds to 4.3 lakh SHGs (48 lakh members).
  • ₹5,000 crore in bank loans to 2.35 lakh SHGs (25.8 lakh members).
• More than ₹6,000 crore disbursed in total.
• 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis were felicitated recently at the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Maharashtra.

How Does the Scheme Work? – Strategy & Implementation

1. Diversified Livelihood Promotion

• SHG members are supported to take up multiple income-generating activities – such as poultry, goat-rearing, mushroom cultivation, food processing, tailoring, handicrafts, etc.

• Priority is given to local, scalable, and women-friendly enterprises.

2. Livelihood Planning by Trained Community Resource Persons

• Women are mentored by trained peers using digital tools and planning modules to select suitable income activities.

3. Access to Assets, Skills, and Finance

• Provision of assets like equipment, seeds, livestock.
• Skilling and capacity building for practical and digital literacy.
• Bank linkage and credit access under various central and state schemes.

4. Market Linkages

• Support for branding, packaging, and selling products via e-commerce platforms like GeM, Amazon Saheli, Flipkart Samarth.
• Participation in fairs, exhibitions, and trade platforms.

5. Public-Private Convergence

• Collaborations with corporates, NGOs, and technical agencies to scale impact.
• Example: tie-ups with Amul, HUL, Flipkart, etc.

Benefits of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme

How to Apply for Lakhpati Didi Scheme?

To become a Lakhpati Didi, one must be a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) under DAY-NRLM. Here's how you can get started:

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Join an SHG in your village (usually coordinated by your Panchayat or Block office).

2. Register with DAY-NRLM through your SHG Federation.

3. Participate in training and livelihood planning sessions.

4. Apply for financial and asset support through your SHG facilitator or local Mission staff.

5. Start your micro-enterprise and achieve the income benchmark of ₹1 lakh/year.

Note: Currently, there is no individual online application portal. Applications are facilitated through SHG federations and NRLM field teams.

Lakhpati Didi Scheme for UPSC Aspirants

The scheme is highly relevant under:

• GS Paper II – Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections

• GS Paper III – Inclusive growth and issues related to the rural Economy

• Topics: Women Empowerment, Rural Livelihoods, SHGs, Financial Inclusion, NRLM

Make note of key data:

• Target: 3 crore Lakhpati Didis
• Scheme under Ministry of Rural Development
• Implemented via DAY-NRLM

FAQs – Lakhpati Didi Scheme

Q1. Who is eligible for the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?

A: Any rural woman who is a member of an SHG under DAY-NRLM and actively participates in livelihood planning.

Q2. How to apply online for the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?

A: Currently, online individual applications are not available. Women must join SHGs in their locality and follow the guided process.

Q3. Which states are covered under the scheme?

A: The scheme is pan-India, covering all states including Assam, UP, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, MP, etc.

Q4. Is there any loan benefit under the scheme?

A: Yes, SHGs receive low-interest loans and revolving funds from the government and banks.

Q5. What is the role of NRLM?

A: DAY-NRLM is the implementing mission, ensuring training, financial support, and convergence with various government schemes.

Conclusion: A Transformational Movement for Rural India

The Lakhpati Didi Scheme is not just a financial program—it's a social revolution. By transforming rural women into micro-entrepreneurs, it is rewriting the narrative of rural India. With a strong backing of community engagement, financial access, and skill development, the scheme is well on track to making rural women financially independent.