‘Lakhpati Didi’ Initiative to Feature on Republic Day Tableau, Honoring Women's Economic Empowerment

New Delhi, Jan 23 (NationPress) This Republic Day, the Rural Development Ministry will unveil its influential ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative through a vibrant tableau at Kartavya Path, showcasing women’s remarkable journey towards economic independence.

The scheme aims to guarantee a minimum annual income of Rs. 1 lakh for women in self-help groups (SHGs), emerging as a symbol of empowerment, with over 1.15 crore women reaching this milestone.

The tableau will emphasize the contributions of women entrepreneurs who have transformed their lives through government programs like the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), aiding in rural development and poverty reduction. This year’s tableau theme revolves around economic empowerment via entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and education, prominently displaying the slogan, “Empowered Women, Prosperous Families, Stronger Nation.”

A prominent statue of a 'Lakhpati Didi' clutching a money bundle will symbolize financial independence at the forefront of the tableau. Surrounding her will be representations of women from diverse rural backgrounds engaged in activities such as handicrafts, dairy farming, weaving, small-scale industries, and agriculture. The tableau will also showcase women utilizing computers, representing the integration of digital literacy in rural development.

Motifs that reflect rural India—like pottery, local crafts, and regional flora—will enhance the tableau, providing a rich visual connection to the country’s grassroots culture. These representations aim to highlight the varied economic activities that empower women in rural settings.

In an interview with IANS, Ruchi, a participant, stated, "We are organizing a tableau to spotlight the Lakhpati Didi Yojana. Our aim is to raise awareness about this initiative so that more individuals can reap its benefits."

Another participant, portraying an Anganwadi worker, remarked, "We are dedicated to spreading awareness about the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, ensuring that people comprehend how they can seize this opportunity."

The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative defines a participant as a woman earning over Rs. 1 lakh annually with a stable monthly income of Rs 10,000 or more over at least four business cycles or agricultural seasons, making it one of the most ambitious programs for women’s empowerment in rural India. With a goal of creating 2 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’, the scheme intends to uplift rural households through vocational training, skill enhancement, and sustainable revenue-generating activities.

With the assistance of trained community resource persons, women enrolled in this program receive support in livelihood planning, which is digitally connected to resources for further opportunities, thus ensuring long-term economic growth and stability. The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative continues to dismantle barriers, providing a pathway to financial independence and altering the narrative for women in rural India.

The Republic Day Parade 2025 will uniquely blend India’s cultural diversity and military strength, with a particular focus on the 75th anniversary of the constitution's enactment and Jan Bhagidari.

This year, a total of 31 tableaux from various States, Union Territories, and Union government Ministries/Departments will participate, showcasing the theme "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas." Following the National Anthem, balloons embellished with banners displaying the official logo commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution will be released, culminating in a flypast featuring 47 aircraft.