Centre's 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative transforming lives of rural women

In the heart of rural India, a quiet revolution is unfolding, driven by the resilience and determination of women who once confined their aspirations to the four walls of their homes.

Through the empowering framework of self-help groups (SHGs) under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), these women are not only transforming their own lives but also setting an inspiring example for others.

From managing government ration shops to becoming adept entrepreneurs, these women, now proudly known as "Lakhpati Didis" -- women earning over a lakh of rupees through their entrepreneurial efforts are rewriting the narrative of empowerment and self-sufficiency in their communities.

Veena, who manages a government ration shop, started her journey when a National Rural Livelihood Mission officer connected her with a self-help group.

"When I first got married and came here, I didn't do anything. Then an officer from the NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission) came and connected us with a self-help group," she said.

"After joining the group, we gathered the women and started running the group efficiently. I took on the responsibility of managing the accounts, which slightly increased my income. Later, as I started going out more, I learned about the possibility of running this shop. Since then, we have been running this ration shop," she added.

Earlier, ration shops were managed by men, and women didn't come out to get the rations. But since women like us started running the shop, the women who used to stay at home now come out to get their rations. Along with that, they also seek advice from us regarding the self-help group, asking about what needs to be done, and we guide them. This has encouraged them to start their own work, Veena added.

Earlier, we didn't do anything, but after starting this work, we've seen some benefits and have begun doing more, added Veena.

Expressing happiness over Prime Minister Modi felicitating Lakhpati Didi on August 25, Veena said, "We are very happy that we have reached this point and that we will be honored there. It's a matter of great joy for us. The government schemes that we are getting are helping and benefitting us a lot, and we are progressing significantly."

Hemlata, who owns a clothing shop in Jhansi's Simrawari village, took a loan of Rs 2 lakh from a self-help group to start her business. Over time, her shop's value has grown to Rs 6 lakh and was able to repay her loan.

"I first joined the self-help group. After joining, I took a loan of 2 lakh rupees from the group. With that 2 lakh rupees, I opened a shop. Gradually, with those 2 lakh rupees, I kept increasing my stock, selling and purchasing goods. I benefited so much that today, I have a shop worth 6 lakh rupees. I have completely repaid my loan. Recently, during the 8-10 days of Sawan, I sold goods worth 70 to 80 thousand rupees," said Hemlata.

Before this, we didn't do anything. We stayed at home and only did household chores. When we met with people, they suggested that I open a clothing shop or start some other work. Everyone helped me a lot, Hemlata said.

We are very grateful to the government. We thank PM Modi for making every effort to help us move forward and turn women into Lakhpati Didis. It brings us great joy to see women doing excellent work. The women in our self-help group are all engaged in some kind of work, she added.

On PM Modi felicitating Lakhpati Didi, Hemlata said, "I am feeling very happy. Earlier, women didn't do much. They were just confined to cooking and household chores. But now, look at how far women have come. Every woman is progressing through the self-help group."

Sheela Singh, a Vidyut Sakhi, collects electricity bills from homes and assists those unable to visit the office. Sheela says that the government scheme has provided steady work. She earns around Rs 15,000-20,000 monthly, which she says has significantly improved her financial situation.

"I work as Vidyut Sakhi. I go from house to house collecting bills. I started this work in 2021, so it's been almost 2-3 years now. I also sit at the electricity department and go door to door for bill collection. For those who are poor and can't come to the office, I visit their homes and give them my phone number so they can call me whenever they need to pay their bills, and I will come to their house to collect the payment," Sheela said.

"Forms were issued at the Vidyut Vikas Bhawan. I submitted the form, and when my name was selected, I started this work. This has also provided me with financial assistance. I earn approximately Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month, which has significantly improved my financial situation. With the help of the government scheme, we got work and are now earning. We manage to collect and submit around 1,100 to 1,200 bills every month," Sheela added.

Manisha Yadav, who works as a Banker Sakhi in Simrawari village of UP's Jhansi said, "As a Bank Sakhi, I serve as a cadre for the women in the self-help groups, assisting them in opening their group accounts, filling out vouchers, and facilitating CCL (Cash Credit Linkage) for them."

"I used to teach in small private schools. There's been a big change in my work now. Earlier, I would barely earn around Rs 1,000-1,200, but since I started working as a Bank Sakhi, my earnings have increased to Rs 4,000. Additionally, when it comes to paying my children's fees and managing household expenses, I no longer need to rely on anyone else. I can handle everything on my own," she added.

On PM Modi felicitating Lakhpati Didi, Yadav said, "I am very happy that we, who used to stay at home and had never seen the outside world, are now managing everything on our own and have become "Lakhpati Didis." I just want to express my gratitude."