India’s journey of inclusive growth has witnessed several welfare initiatives that aim to uplift women, especially those from rural and marginalized communities. Among these, the Lakhpati Didi Scheme has emerged as a landmark program. It not only focuses on financial inclusion but also empowers women by ensuring sustainable livelihoods, skill development, and entrepreneurship.
A “Lakhpati Didi” refers to a woman Self-Help Group (SHG) member who earns a sustainable annual household income of at least ₹1,00,000, with an average monthly income above ₹10,000 across multiple agricultural seasons or business cycles.
In this blog, we have provided all the details about the scheme, features, benefits, and more.
What is the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?
The Lakhpati Didi Scheme is not a standalone scheme but an outcome of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
- Objective: To empower women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by enabling them to achieve a sustainable income of ₹1 lakh or more per year.
- Scope: Women SHG members are encouraged to take up multiple livelihood activities (farm-based, non-farm, or services) supported by financial literacy, skill development, and market linkages.
- Target: Initially, 2 crore SHG women were targeted to become “Lakhpati Didis.” This was later enhanced to 3 crore in recognition of the program’s success.
When was the Lakhpati Didi Scheme Launched?
Unlike some flagship programs, the Lakhpati Didi initiative does not have a specific launch date. It is an evolving initiative under DAY-NRLM, with its importance highlighted during the Interim Budget of 2024–25.
- 2023: The initiative started gaining traction when the government first announced it.
- 2024: The Finance Minister emphasized the program in the Interim Budget, raising the target from 2 crore to 3 crore SHG women.
- 2024 onwards: Several events, including the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Maharashtra, showcased its achievements and future roadmap.
Who is a Lakhpati Didi?
A Lakhpati Didi is:
- A woman member of an SHG.
- Her household earns ₹1,00,000 or more per year.
- This income is sustained across four agricultural seasons or business cycles.
- Monthly average income must be above ₹10,000.
These women are role models in their communities, inspiring others not only by their income but also by adopting sustainable livelihood practices and demonstrating entrepreneurship.
Get ready to crack government job exams with leading educators
Why is the Lakhpati Didi Scheme Important?
The scheme plays a crucial role in India’s inclusive growth model:
- Economic Empowerment: Women move beyond subsistence income to sustainable income levels.
- Social Transformation: Women gain confidence, decision-making power, and leadership roles within communities.
- Entrepreneurship Development: Encourages rural women to set up businesses and micro-enterprises.
- National Growth: Rural women’s participation is key to India’s goal of becoming the third-largest global economy.
- Role Models: Lakhpati Didis inspire other SHG members to take up productive livelihoods.
How Does the Lakhpati Didi Scheme Work?
The scheme is structured around a multi-pronged strategy:
| Strategy Area | Details |
| 1. Diversified Livelihood Options | • Women take up farm-based, non-farm, and service-based activities. • Community Resource Persons (CRPs) assist in livelihood planning. • Digital tools used for mapping resources and linking women with markets and govt. support. |
| 2. Financial Inclusion and Support | • Access to revolving funds, community investment funds, and bank linkages. • In 2024, ₹2,500 crore revolving funds + ₹5,000 crore bank loans disbursed. |
| 3. Capacity Building and Training | • Regular training for SHG members, Village Organizations (VOs), and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs). • Focus on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and resource management. |
| 4. Convergence with Government Schemes | • Linked with schemes like PM Mudra Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, Mission Shakti, and Mahila E-Haat. • Partnerships with private sector for branding, packaging, and e-commerce support. |
| 5. Monitoring and Sustainability | • Income tracked across four agricultural/business cycles to ensure sustainability. • SHG federations monitor progress and help members in scaling up. |
What are the Key Achievements of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?
The key achievements of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme are as follow:
- One crore women have already become Lakhpati Didis since the initiative began.
- Target enhanced: From 2 crore to 3 crore SHG women.
- Financial disbursement: More than ₹6,000 crore provided for SHGs across India.
- SHG coverage: 83 lakh SHGs with 9 crore women contributing to the rural economy.
- Recognition: Events like the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in 2024 recognized achievements and felicitated successful women.
What is the Role of SHGs in the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are the backbone of this initiative:
- Provide collective strength and mutual support.
- Act as platforms for training, credit access, and entrepreneurial activities.
- Facilitate financial literacy and social empowerment.
- Enable community-level monitoring for sustainable outcomes.
How is the Government Supporting the Initiative?
The government ensures multi-level support through:
- Financial support via DAY-NRLM funds, bank loans, and revolving funds.
- Skill development via structured training programs.
- Asset support like equipment, infrastructure, and inputs.
- Market linkages through partnerships with private players and digital platforms.
What are the Challenges in Implementation?
Despite its success, certain challenges exist:
- Ensuring sustainability of income across all SHGs.
- Bridging skill gaps for advanced entrepreneurial ventures.
- Expanding market access beyond local boundaries.
- Managing convergence across multiple departments and schemes.
What is the Future Roadmap of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?
The scheme is expected to grow further:
- Expansion of target: 3 crore SHG women by 2030.
- Increased convergence: Deeper integration with national and state-level programs.
- Technological adoption: Use of digital tools for training, monitoring, and e-commerce.
- Global recognition: Positioning rural women as key contributors to India’s economic transformation.
Also Check:
Key Takeawys
| Aspect | Details |
| Parent Scheme | Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) |
| Launched By | Ministry of Rural Development |
| Objective | To make SHG women earn ₹1 lakh annually (₹10,000 per month sustainable) |
| Target | Initially 2 crore; later enhanced to 3 crore women |
| Achievements | 1 crore women already achieved Lakhpati status |
| Support Mechanisms | Financial inclusion, skill training, market linkages, convergence |
| Significance | Women empowerment, rural transformation, inclusive growth |
Questions based on Lakhpati Didi Scheme
Q1. The Lakhpati Didi initiative is implemented under which scheme?
A) PM Awas Yojana
B) DAY-NRLM
C) Mission Shakti
D) PM Mudra Yojana
E) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Q2. A Lakhpati Didi is defined as an SHG member earning at least:
A) ₹50,000 per year
B) ₹75,000 per year
C) ₹1,00,000 per year
D) ₹1,50,000 per year
E) ₹2,00,000 per year
Q3. The target of Lakhpati Didis was enhanced to how many women in 2024?
A) 1 crore
B) 2 crore
C) 3 crore
D) 4 crore
E) 5 crore
Q4. The income of a Lakhpati Didi is calculated over how many cycles?
A) One season
B) Two cycles
C) Three cycles
D) Four cycles
E) Five years
Q5. Which ministry implements the Lakhpati Didi initiative?
A) Ministry of Women and Child Development
B) Ministry of Finance
C) Ministry of Rural Development
D) Ministry of Skill Development
E) Ministry of Labour
Q6. Which event in 2024 showcased the achievements of the Lakhpati Didi initiative?
A) G20 Summit
B) Bharat Utsav
C) Lakhpati Didi Sammelan
D) Mission Shakti Mahotsav
E) Rural Livelihood Conclave
Q7. Which of the following is NOT directly linked to Lakhpati Didi?
A) Financial literacy
B) Entrepreneurship training
C) Multiple livelihood activities
D) Free supply of diesel pumps
E) Market linkages
Q8. How much financial disbursement has been made under the initiative?
A) ₹2,500 crore
B) ₹5,000 crore
C) ₹6,000 crore+
D) ₹10,000 crore
E) ₹20,000 crore
Q9. What is the significance of Lakhpati Didis in rural communities?
A) They serve as political leaders
B) They act as role models
C) They replace SHG structures
D) They monitor government schemes
E) They function as bank officials
Q10. Which of the following schemes is a related women empowerment initiative?
A) Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
B) Startup India
C) Make in India
D) Ayushman Bharat
E) Digital India
Answer Key
| Q.No. | Answer | Q.No. | Answer |
| Q1 | B) DAY-NRLM | Q6 | C) Lakhpati Didi Sammelan |
| Q2 | C) ₹1,00,000 per year | Q7 | D) Free supply of diesel pumps |
| Q3 | C) 3 crore | Q8 | C) ₹6,000 crore+ |
| Q4 | D) Four cycles | Q9 | B) They act as role models |
| Q5 | C) Ministry of Rural Development | Q10 | A) Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana |
- PM DAKSH Scheme Features, Benefits and Exam Notes
- Van Mitra Scheme Haryana’s Community-Driven Green Revolution
- Ayushman Bharat Scheme Features, Benefits, and Exam Notes
- Lakhpati Didi Scheme Initiative for Women Empowerment in Rural India
- Abua Awas Yojana Features, Objectives, and Benefits
- Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana Empowering Senior Citizens in India
Hi, I’m Aditi. I work as a Content Writer at Oliveboard, where I have been simplifying exam-related content for the past 4 years. I create clear and easy-to-understand guides for JAIIB, CAIIB, and UGC exams. My work includes breaking down notifications, admit cards, and exam updates, as well as preparing study plans and subject-wise strategies.
My goal is to support working professionals in managing their exam preparation alongside a full-time job and to help them achieve career growth in the banking sector.