Lakhpati Didi Initiative

Here’s a short note on the Lakhpati Didi Initiative:

1. Introduction:
   • The Lakhpati Didi Initiative is a flagship program under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
   • It aims to economically empower rural women by enabling them to achieve an annual household income of at least ₹1 lakh.
2. Launch and Vision:
   • Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2023.
   • The initiative envisions creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2025, focusing on sustainable income generation.
3. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are eligible.
   • To qualify as a Lakhpati Didi, a woman must earn a monthly income of ₹10,000 or more, resulting in an annual income of ₹1 lakh or above.
4. Key Strategies:
   • Promotes diversified livelihood activities such as agriculture, animal husbandry, small-scale industries, and value addition to local produce.
   • Provides training in skills like plumbing, LED bulb manufacturing, tailoring, weaving, and even drone operation.
   • Ensures convergence of resources from various government schemes, private sector partnerships, and market linkages.
5. Implementation:
   • The initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
   • A five-step process includes identifying potential beneficiaries, training, capacity building, and providing financial and technical support.
6. Financial Assistance:
   • Women receive financial aid through SHGs, with additional support for entrepreneurial ventures.
   • For example, in Gujarat, ₹450 crore was disbursed to over 2.5 lakh women from 25,000 SHGs on March 8, 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
7. Achievements:
   • Over 1 crore women have already achieved the status of Lakhpati Didis since the program’s inception.
   • States like Uttarakhand have shown remarkable progress, with districts like Udham Singh Nagar leading in implementation.
8. Challenges:
   • Ensuring long-term income sustainability and addressing barriers like lack of market access and financial literacy.
   • Overcoming socio-cultural constraints in rural areas.
9. Significance:
   • Empowers rural women, fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
   • Contributes to the rural economy by creating a network of micro-enterprises.
   • Aligns with the broader goal of women-led development.
10. Notable Events:
    • The Lakhpati Didi Sammelan held in Gujarat on March 8, 2025, was a landmark event attended by PM Modi, where women were felicitated for their achievements.
    • Launch of complementary schemes like G-SAFAL and G-MAITRI to further support rural livelihoods and startups.
11. Academic Relevance:
    • The initiative is a case study in rural development, women empowerment, and poverty alleviation.
    • It highlights the role of SHGs in fostering financial inclusion and social entrepreneurship.

Here are some MCQs based on the detailed note on the Lakhpati Didi Initiative:

1. Which flagship program includes the Lakhpati Didi Initiative?
   • Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM
   • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
   • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
   • Digital India Mission
   Correct Answer: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLMExtra Information: The Lakhpati Didi Initiative is a part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission to empower rural women.

2. When was the Lakhpati Didi Initiative announced?
   • Independence Day 2022
   • Independence Day 2023
   • International Women’s Day 2023
   • Republic Day 2023
   Correct Answer: Independence Day 2023Extra Information: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the initiative on August 15, 2023.

3. What is the income goal for a woman to qualify as a Lakhpati Didi?
   • ₹50,000 annually
   • ₹1 lakh annually
   • ₹1.5 lakh annually
   • ₹2 lakh annually
   Correct Answer: ₹1 lakh annuallyExtra Information: A Lakhpati Didi is defined as a woman with an annual household income of ₹1 lakh or more.

4. What is the primary focus of the Lakhpati Didi Initiative?
   • Urban migration
   • Sustainable income generation
   • Industrial growth
   • Free skill training
   Correct Answer: Sustainable income generationExtra Information: The initiative promotes diversified livelihood activities to ensure sustainable incomes for rural women.

5. Which ministry implements the Lakhpati Didi Initiative?
   • Ministry of Finance
   • Ministry of Women and Child Development
   • Ministry of Rural Development
   • Ministry of Agriculture
   Correct Answer: Ministry of Rural DevelopmentExtra Information: The initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development under DAY-NRLM.

6. How many women are targeted to become Lakhpati Didis by 2025?
   • 1 crore
   • 2 crore
   • 3 crore
   • 4 crore
   Correct Answer: 3 croreExtra Information: The initiative aims to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis by the year 2025.

7. Which district in Uttarakhand has shown notable progress in implementing the initiative?
   • Dehradun
   • Nainital
   • Udham Singh Nagar
   • Haridwar
   Correct Answer: Udham Singh NagarExtra Information: Udham Singh Nagar has been a leading district in the implementation of the initiative.

8. What role do SHGs (Self-Help Groups) play in the Lakhpati Didi Initiative?
   • Urbanization promotion
   • Providing financial and social support
   • Industrial subsidies
   • Free housing distribution
   Correct Answer: Providing financial and social supportExtra Information: Self-Help Groups form the backbone of the initiative by offering financial aid and capacity-building support.

9. What was the amount disbursed in Gujarat under the initiative on March 8, 2025?
   • ₹250 crore
   • ₹350 crore
   • ₹450 crore
   • ₹550 crore
   Correct Answer: ₹450 croreExtra Information: ₹450 crore was disbursed to 2.5 lakh women from 25,000 SHGs in Gujarat on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025.

10. Which complementary schemes were launched to support rural livelihoods alongside Lakhpati Didi?

• G-SAFAL and G-MAITRI
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Digital India Mission
• Atal Pension Yojana and Make in India
• PM Fasal Bima Yojana and Startup India

Correct Answer: G-SAFAL and G-MAITRI

Extra Information: These schemes aim to further support rural livelihoods and startups associated with the initiative.