NEW DELHI: In a bid to further bolster the economic empowerment of women in rural areas, Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman
unveiled an expansion of the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme during her presentation of the interim Budget 2024.
Highlighting the pivotal role played by the 83 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs), the minister underscored their collective efforts in reshaping the rural socio-economic fabric, fostering empowerment, and nurturing self-reliance among 9 crore women nationwide.
"An astounding 1 crore women have already achieved the milestone of becoming Lakhpati Didis, serving as beacons of inspiration for others. Their remarkable accomplishments deserve acknowledgment and commendation," stated the finance minister.
Encouraged by the scheme's success, Sitharaman declared a revised target, elevating the aim for Lakhpati Didis from 2 crore to 3 crore.
The Lakhpati Didi initiative, introduced by the Prime Minister during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2023, aims to stimulate the establishment of micro-enterprises by women within their villages. Central to the program is the provision of training to women in SHGs, equipping them with the skills necessary to generate a sustainable income of at least Rs 1 lakh per annum per household.
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