Budget 2024-25: All you need to know about the 'Lakhpati Didi scheme'

Budget- 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 said the government plans to raise the target for Lakhpati Didi schemes from 2 crore to 3 crore.

"Some 83 lakh self-help groups are transforming the rural landscape. They are an inspiration to others. Buoyed by their success, it has been decided to enhance the target for the Lakhpati Didi scheme from 2 crore to 3 crore, " Sitharaman said in her Interim Budget 2024-25 speech.

Here's an explainer to get more details about the Lakhpati Didi scheme:

What is Lakhpati Didi scheme?

The government had announced the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, with the motive to provide skill training to two crore women across the country. Earlier, this scheme was implemented only in a few states, and now seeks to expand on a national level.

Under the scheme, women undergo training in a range of practical skills that align with emerging industry demands. These skills include plumbing, LED bulb manufacturing, and the operation and repair of drones, among others. This diversified training approach ensures that women can tap into various sectors and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

When was the scheme launched?

Addressing the country on August 15, 2023, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced that the government is working with Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) with the aim of creating 2 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in villages.

The PM observed that 10 crore women are today associated with Women’s Self-Help Groups. “In villages today, one can find a Didi in the Bank, in the Anganwaadi, and a Didi to provide medicines.”

The PM said that 15,000 Women’s Self-Help Groups would be given loans and training for operating and repairing drones. “Drone ki Udaan” will be carried out by these Women’s Self-Help Groups, said the PM.

What is the latest development?

The finance minister while addressing her interim budget speech 2024-25 said that eighty-three lakh SHGs with nine crore women are transforming rural socio-economic landscape with empowerment and self-reliance.

"Their success has assisted nearly one crore women to become Lakhpati Didi already. They are an inspiration to others.

Their achievements will be recognised through honouring them. Buoyed by the success, it has been decided to enhance the target for Lakhpati Didi from 2 crore to 3 crore, "she said.

Earlier, in December 2023, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu said that she was happy to address this conference as the self-help groups are contributing significantly to making deprived and backward sections of the society, especially women, self-reliant.

She stated that we have taken a pledge to make India a developed nation when our country celebrates the centenary of independence. To achieve this goal, it is very important to be self-reliant. But it will be possible only when every woman in the country is self-reliant and empowered.