Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Jalgaon, Maharashtra to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan, an important event focused on empowering rural women through Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Key Highlights of the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan
- Certificates and Felicitations: PM handed out certificates and felicitated 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis who recently became Lakhpati during the third term of the present government.
- Financial Disbursements: A revolving fund of Rs 2,500 crore was released, benefiting about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh SHGs.Additionally, Rs 5,000 crore in bank loans were disbursed to benefit 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs.
- Cultural and Economic Significance: The PM emphasised women’s vital role in the rural economy and their contribution to India’s rise as the third-largest global economy within three years, highlighting a shift from historical neglect to recent initiatives aimed at alleviating their burdens.
Lakhpati Didi Initiative
- A “Lakhpati Didi” is a member of a SHG who has successfully achieved an annual household income of Rupees One Lakh or more.
- This income is sustained across at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles, ensuring that the average monthly income exceeds Rupees Ten Thousand (Rs. 10,000).
- It was initiated by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (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. 1,00,000 or more per year.
- Purpose: The initiative aims to empower women not only by improving their income but by transforming their lives through sustainable livelihood practices.
- These women serve as role models in their communities, demonstrating the power of effective resource management and entrepreneurship.
Lakhpati Didi Strategy
- Diversified Livelihood Options: The initiative emphasises deepening, strengthening, and expanding livelihood options for SHG members.Trained Community Resource Persons facilitate livelihood planning for SHG members using digital tools for resource linkages.
- Implementation Support: SHG members receive timely support in the form of assets (inputs, equipment, infrastructure), skills (knowledge and practical skills), access to finance (bank linkage, departmental schemes), and market access (branding, packaging, e-commerce).
- Capacity Building: Regular and structured training programs are provided to Mission Staff, community institutions, and SHG members on various aspects of livelihood activities.
- Convergence and Partnerships: The initiative leverages convergence with various government schemes and partnerships with private sector players to mobilise technical, financial, and capacity-building resources.