Odisha Achieves Leading Status in Centre's Lakhpati Didi Initiative
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Synopsis
Odisha has successfully secured the top position in the Lakhpati Didi initiative, empowering rural women to earn Rs 1 lakh or more annually through sustainable livelihoods, as announced by the state government.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha leads in Lakhpati Didi initiative.
- 14,41,074 Lakhpati Didis created.
- Empowerment through sustainable livelihoods.
- Business Development Plans customized for women.
- Increased financial support for rural entrepreneurs.
Bhubaneswar, April 16 (NationPress) Odisha has claimed the leading position in India under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, a flagship program of the Central government aimed at empowering rural women to earn Rs 1 lakh or more annually through sustainable livelihoods, as stated by the state government in a press release on Wednesday.
According to the state government, as of April 13, 2025, Odisha has successfully created 14,41,074 Lakhpati Didis, achieving 82 per cent of its target of 17.59 lakh potential Lakhpati Didis identified, thereby outpacing all other states.
The mission is executed in Odisha through the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM), under the Department of Mission Shakti, aligning with the goals of the centrally sponsored National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
Utilizing a mission-mode approach, the state has established a robust model of decentralized planning, local leadership, and structured support for livelihoods.
“The change initiated at the grassroots level, starting with a door-to-door identification campaign to locate Potential Lakhpati Didis (PLDs). Community Support Staff (CSS), SHG leaders, and OLM officials conducted household surveys, assessing income levels, skills, and aspirations. These women were not only identified but also trained, motivated, and mentored,” the state government remarked.
Additionally, individual Business Development Plans (BDPs) were crafted for each Potential Lakhpati Didi, providing them with avenues to enhance or diversify their economic activities based on their local environment and capabilities. The state also initiated onsite training sessions across rural Odisha.
Master trainers guided women in acquiring technical and entrepreneurial skills, including tailoring, mushroom cultivation, livestock farming, and food processing. The training was tailored, practical, and empowering, transforming traditional knowledge into business strategies.
The state government also increased the Revolving Fund (RF) from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000, while the Community Investment Fund (CIF) saw a significant increase from Rs 35 lakh to Rs 60 lakh.
Moreover, numerous eligible beneficiaries gained substantial advantages through the Subhadra scheme, a flagship initiative introduced by the new BJP government. The government has provided zero-interest loans up to Rs 10 lakh for prompt repayment, alleviating the credit burden for rural entrepreneurs and enabling Women SHGs to initiate or grow their small enterprises.
