What is Lakhpati Didi Initiative?

Oct. 11, 2023

Prime Minister recently chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress made in realising his dream of making 2 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' in India.

About Lakhpati Didi Initiative:

  • It was announced by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2023.
  • Objective: To encourage women to start micro-enterprises within their villages.
  • Under the Lakhpati Didi Initiative, the government aims to train two crore women.
  • The programme is aimed at training women in self-help groups (SHGs) so that they can earn a sustainable income of at least Rs 1 lakh per annum per household. 
  • The initiative has been initiated by 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 lakh or more per year.
  • Under this scheme, women will be trained in various skills, such as plumbing, LED bulb making, drone operation and repair, and tailoring and weaving.
  • After completing the training, women will be provided with opportunities to earn income using their skills.
  • The ministry of rural development is adopting a whole-of-government approach for maximum impact through convergence to transform the rural economy with the enabling of ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

What is Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)?

  • It is a flagship poverty alleviation program implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. 
  • Aim: To reduce poverty by enabling the poor household to access gainful self-employment and skilled-wage employment opportunities, resulting in sustainable and diversified livelihood options for the poor. 
  • DAY-NRLM adopts a demand-driven approach, enabling the States to formulate their own State-specific poverty reduction action plans.
  • The Mission seeks to achieve its objective by investing in four core components.
    • social mobilization, promotion, and strengthening of self-managed and financially sustainable community institutions of the rural poor women;
    • financial inclusion
    • sustainable livelihoods;
    • social inclusion, social development and access to entitlements through convergence;