Lakhpati Didi Sahayika Yojana in Odisha
The Government of Odisha has launched the Lakhpati Didi Sahayika Yojana, a transformative program aimed at empowering rural women by fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing sustainable livelihoods. Anchored in the state’s commitment to women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation, this initiative aligns with national objectives under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM). Government’s focus on the economic growth of women in self-help groups through the “Lakhpati Didi Initiative,” aiming to make women members earn an income of one lakh rupees annually, with a target of creating 25 lakh “Lakhpati Didis” by 2027. As on 18th June 2025, 16.60 lakh Lakhpati Didis created across the state.
Objective
A “Lakhpati Didi” is an SHG member whose household earns an average monthly income exceeding ₹10,000 across at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles, amounting to an annual income of ₹1 lakh or more. This initiative seeks to transform these SHG members into successful micro-entrepreneurs, fostering a generation of financially independent and confident women leaders.
Key Features
1. Targeted Capacity Building: SHG members receive comprehensive training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, skill development, and market linkages. This equips them to establish and scale their enterprises effectively.
2. Livelihood Diversification: The program promotes a wide array of economic activities including agriculture, dairy, poultry, handicrafts, food processing, and local crafts, enabling women to choose activities that suit their skills and local market demands.
3. Financial Inclusion and Support: SHGs are linked to banks and financial institutions to facilitate access to affordable credit, thereby overcoming barriers to enterprise development.
4. Market Linkages: The initiative focuses on developing forward and backward linkages to ensure that women entrepreneurs can access sustainable and profitable markets.
5. Mentorship and Handholding: Women entrepreneurs receive continuous support and assistance from industry experts, government representatives, and master trainers, ensuring guidance at every stage of enterprise development.
Implementation Strategy
The initiative is implemented through the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM), in convergence with line departments, District and block-level functionaries mobilize SHGs and provide the necessary support to adopt income-generating activities suited to local economy. To facilitate coordinated implementation, Lakhpati Didi Steering Committees with concerned line departments have been established to implement the activities effectively.
Expected Impact
1) Empower over 25 lakh household to become Lakhpati Didis by 2027, significantly contributing to rural prosperity and women’s economic empowerment.
2) Strengthen the rural economy by encouraging sustainable and diversified livelihood opportunities.
3) Promote social and economic inclusion by building the capacity of women to become decision-makers in their households and communities.
