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Buoyed by its success, the Centre has decided to increase the target for ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme.
This scheme aims to train women self-help groups (SHGs) to earn a sustainable income of at least ₹1 lakh per annum by setting up micro-enterprises within their villages.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the interim Budget for 2024-25, said the target for training ‘Lakhpati Didi’ would be increased from the existing 2 crore to 3 crore.
Eighty-three lakh self-help groups with 9 crore women are transforming rural socio-economic landscape with empowerment and self-reliance.
What is Lakhpati Didi scheme
The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is a skill development program launched by the Indian government in December 2023.
This is specifically targeting women in rural areas.
It aims to empower women and improve their financial independence by providing them with the tools and resources to become "lakhpati didis" (prosperous sisters).
Meaning they can earn at least ₹1 lakh per year per household.
The key aspects of the scheme:
Economic empowerment: Equip women with skills to start or grow their own businesses, leading to financial independence.
Poverty reduction: Uplift women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, contributing to overall poverty reduction in rural areas.
Skill development: Train women in various income-generating activities to create sustainable livelihoods.
Skill training: Women receive training in diverse areas like plumbing, drone operation, LED bulb manufacturing, and others, depending on local needs and market opportunities.
Interest-free loans: Eligible women can receive a ₹5 lakh (approximately $6,000) interest-free loan to start or expand their businesses.
Self-help groups: The scheme encourages women to join or form self-help groups for better access to resources, peer support, and market linkages.
Digitalization: Promotes the use of digital payment platforms and mobile wallets for financial transactions.
Empowerment programs: Workshops and sessions are conducted to build confidence, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial spirit among women.
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