New Delhi (Agency): The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) hosted a National Conclave to discuss the goal of enabling 2 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis.’ These are Self-Help Group (SHG) women who earn sustainable incomes of at least Rs one Lakh per annum per household. The National Conclave, chaired by Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Giriraj Singh, aimed to review the strategy for achieving this ambitious goal.
The Prime Minister announced this vision from the Red Fort during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2023, stating that there are currently 10 crore rural women involved in Self-Help Groups. He expressed his desire to see “two crore lakhpati didis in the villages.”
Shri Giriraj Singh emphasized the mission’s commitment to realizing the Prime Minister’s vision through hard work and a multifaceted approach. He highlighted the importance of adopting a Whole of Government approach to ensure the success of the Lakhpati Didi initiative. He also noted that DAY-NRLM, the government’s flagship poverty alleviation program, is the world’s largest initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of the poor.
Minister of State for Rural Development and Steel, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, who joined the event online, affirmed that the Lakhpati Didis, as envisioned by the Prime Minister, would be pivotal in driving the rural economy during the Amrit Kaal.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, thanked the Minister for his guidance and support for the DAY-NRLM’s efforts to enable Lakhpati Didis. The Lakhpati Didi initiative encourages SHG households to engage in multiple livelihood activities coupled with value chain interventions, resulting in sustainable annual incomes of Rs One Lakh or more.
Additional Secretary, Rural Livelihoods and Mission Director, DAY-NRLM, Shri Charanjit Singh, outlined the Lakhpati Didi initiative’s scope and the roadmap for achieving it. The Mission has adopted a Whole of Society approach, strengthening collaboration and partnerships with government bodies, the private sector, multilateral agencies, civil society organizations, and technical institutions to provide essential support for enhancing the income of SHG households.
The National Conclave included participation from various partners and support organizations from both government and development sectors, along with Lakhpati SHG Didis and those aspiring to join the Lakhpati Didi Club. Over one crore SHG Didis from across India participated in the conclave via webcast.
Joint Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, Ministry of Rural Development, Ms. Swati Sharma, conveyed thanks to the Minister and participants for their commitment to the initiative. Deputy Director, DAY-NRLM, Shri Raman Wadhwa summarized the key takeaways from the conclave.