Lakhpati Didi Yojana: A strategy for inclusive, sustainable development
Bhubaneswar, May 29 (UNI) The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is not merely a welfare scheme but a comprehensive strategy for inclusive and sustainable development, said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Speaking at the National Lakhpati Didi Conclave 2025, which brought together participants from 25 states and union territories, Majhi highlighted that the primary objective of the initiative is to empower women financially and foster leadership among rural women.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said, the Lakhpati Didi Yojana has enabled women to earn more than Rs.1 lakh per annum.
"This is not just about employment," he stated. "Its core aim is to ensure financial independence for women and nurture leadership qualities among them."
Majhi emphasized that the conclave was not merely a celebration of achievements but a reaffirmation of the government's commitment to women's leadership.
"The strength and initiative of women lay the foundation for a strong family and a stronger nation," he added.
Highlighting recent legislative progress, the Chief Minister noted that the Nari Shakti Vandan Act was passed in Parliament, ensuring that at least 33 percent of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies will be reserved for women in the upcoming elections.
Majhi proudly announced that Odisha has led the way in implementing the Lakhpati Didi Mission, with nearly 17 lakh women achieving the status of Lakhpati Didi, making the state number one in the country.
He attributed this success to the dedication of self-help group (SHG) women, the Mission Shakti initiative, the Odisha Livelihood Mission, and effective grassroots execution.
The Chief Minister further shared that women's self-help groups in Odisha are now eligible for interest-free loans up to Rs.10 lakh. The revolving fund support has been increased from Rs.15,000 to Rs.30,000, while the Community Investment Fund has risen from Rs.35 lakh to Rs.60 lakh.
'These efforts are helping SHG members grow their businesses and livelihoods with confidence,' he said, adding that platforms like the Subhadra Shakti Mela provide opportunities for women to build their own identities and conduct business worth lakhs of rupees.
"We are committed to promoting women in entrepreneurship and leadership. The goal is to make Lakhpati Didi not just a livelihood program but a movement for women's dignity, self-reliance, and leadership," he said.
On the occasion, Lakhpati Didis such as Vindhyabashini from Rayagada district and Shobha Digambara Kadam from Maharashtra shared their success stories and experiences.
The Chief Minister honored Shakuntala Dhal (Deogarh district), Sulami Dalabehera (Gajapati district), and Mamata Nath Sharma (Kendrapara district) as the best Lakhpati Didis. Nayagarh district received accolades for achieving 98% success in creating Lakhpati Didis, followed closely by Kendrapara, Cuttack, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur districts, each achieving 97%.
Devi Prasad Nayak from the Odisha Livelihood Mission, Bhubaneswar, was recognized as the best officer at the state level.
During the event, the Chief Minister also released a video, a coffee table book, and a booklet highlighting the impact of the Lakhpati Didi initiative.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development, Parvati Parida, in her address, said the Lakhpati Didi Yojana is bringing women out of the confines of their homes and connecting them to mainstream development.
She noted that rural women are excelling in various fields such as agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring, and running cafes, becoming inspiring examples for others.
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