Focus: GS II: Government policies and Interventions
Why in News?
The Prime Minister of India recently addressed Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. He handed out certificates and felicitated 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis who recently became Lakhpati during the third term of the present government.
Lakhpati Didi Initiative
Holistic Approach: The Ministry of Rural Development adopts a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to ensure maximum impact through convergence, ultimately transforming the rural economy and enabling the emergence of ‘Lakhpati Didis.’
Announcement: The Lakhpati Didi Initiative was unveiled by the Prime Minister during his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2023.
Objective: The primary goal of this initiative is to empower women to establish micro-enterprises within their respective villages.
Scale: The government intends to train approximately two crore women through this program.
Target: The initiative specifically focuses on providing training to women who are part of self-help groups (SHGs) to enable them to achieve a sustainable annual income of at least Rs 1 lakh per household.
Execution: DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission) is spearheading the Lakhpati Didi Initiative. The approach involves encouraging SHG households to engage in multiple livelihood activities alongside value chain interventions, with the end goal of securing an annual income of Rs 1 lakh or more.
Skill Training: Women under this scheme will receive training in a variety of skills including plumbing, LED bulb manufacturing, drone operation and repair, as well as tailoring and weaving.
Income Opportunities: After completing their training, women will have access to income-generating opportunities that utilize their acquired skills.
