Odisha’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Scheme Empowers Rural Women and Sets National Example
In the historic bid to empower women, the Odisha government is re-writing rural success stories with its ambitious ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme. With a mission to empower at least 1 lakh women as lakhpatis (Rs 1 lakh yearly income), the state scheme is becoming a national model in no time.
What Is the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Initiative?
The scheme, introduced under the Mission Shakti scheme, seeks to leverage the economic empowerment and entrepreneurial potential of women members of Odisha SHGs. With skill development, computer education, seed capital, and market linkage, the scheme empowers women to establish and expand earning livelihood enterprises in agro-processing, animal husbandry, handicrafts, food processing, and sectoral enterprises.
Why It Stands Out
Inclusive Support: Odisha’s approach is not just cash support. The state also capacitates women through counseling, business development support, and capacity building to equip them as confident entrepreneurs.
Powering Empowerment through Digital Mode: Odisha is equipping SHG members with mobile banking, online shopping, and e-commerce portal management skills to bridge rural India’s digital divide.
Sustainability Theme: Most Lakhpati Didis are embracing the eco-cause of organic farming, millets, and solar dryer technology, in harmony with climate-resilient futures.
Scalability and Replication: Odisha’s success has dazzled the central government launching comparable programs to Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Real-Life Impact
Ground-level stories and accounts report the change in motivation. From ₹2,000 per month to ₹12,000 per month, women like Kalahandi district’s Sushila not only support their families but also provide jobs to other women from her SHGs. Lakhpati Didis are building grassroots leadership, disseminating gender equality, and creating grassroots economic activity.
National Recognition
Odisha’s initiative has resonated well with the Union Ministry of Rural Development and the scheme has also been termed as a “lighthouse model” of rural women’s development. The scheme is best suited for the national plan to empower 3 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2027.
Conclusion: Odisha’s Lakhpati Didi program is less about money-cash-its about empowerment, dignity, and transformation. And with the women pulling themselves from the periphery to the center stage, they are mounting a poignant demonstration of what India’s rural economy can do if its women are placed on the agenda front and center.
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