Context: The interim budget for 2024-25 has introduced an expansion of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, increasing the target from 2 crore Lakhpati Didi’s to 3 crore. Additionally, the Prime Minister refers to 'Lakhpati Didi’s in Mann Ki Baat to catalyse women empowerment.
Lakhpati Didi Scheme
- Launched in: 2023
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of Rural Development
- Aim: To catalyze economic empowerment and financial independence among women in rural areas.
- Criteria for identifying potential lakhpati Didi:
- A Self Help Group member who has completed a minimum of two years and has availed of the Community Investment Fund (CIF).
- A beneficiary of livelihood intervention through DAY-NRLM and practising at least two livelihood activities.
- Key features: A Lakhpati Didi is a Self-Help Group Member.
- The government aims to train 3 crore women to become influencers both at home and in their communities. The objective is to shift the focus from social and financial inclusion to entrepreneurial success.
- The programme is aimed at training women in self-help groups (SHGs) to earn a sustainable income of at least Rs 1 lakh per annum per household.
- Women will be trained in various skills and after completing the training, women will be provided with opportunities to earn income using their skills.
- It facilitates diversified livelihood activities, by ensuring convergence across all Government departments/ Ministries, Private sector and Market players.
- Subset of the programme:
- Drone Didi: Under this scheme, drones will be provided to approximately 15,000 women SHGs for agricultural activities. Drones have the potential to revolutionize agriculture by enabling precision farming, crop monitoring, and pest control.
- Skill training: Women under this scheme receive training in diverse skills such as LED bulb making, plumbing, and more.