Union Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, interacted with a group of 300 Lakhpati Didis from Self-Help Groups (SHG), who were invited as special guests for the 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. In his address, Chouhan praised the efforts of SHG women in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Lakhpati Didis and emphasized that these women, who have already reached significant economic milestones, will soon progress to becoming Crorepati and even Arabpati. He further highlighted that success begins with belief and actions, encouraging the Didis to continue their efforts towards even greater achievements.
Lakhpati Didis voiced their concerns and aspirations, particularly advocating for the establishment of online marketing platforms to facilitate interstate trade, the elimination of middlemen, the importance of insurance, and the promotion of organic farming. Chouhan lauded the work of DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission) for its role in the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which supports rural women by encouraging them to take up multiple livelihood activities and create sustainable income streams, generating over Rs 1 lakh annually per household. He reiterated the goal of creating Garibi-Mukt Gaon (poverty-free villages) and urged the Lakhpati Didis to help empower every woman in their community.
Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, shared an inspiring story of Rajeshwari Didi from Anantapur District, who, with a loan from her SHG, began a millet roti-making business and now earns Rs 9 lakh annually, providing employment for others. Dr. Pemmasani affirmed that the empowerment of women is crucial to building a self-reliant nation, noting that SHG women are transitioning from group members to entrepreneurs and leaders, contributing significantly to national development.
On the occasion, Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, commended the SHG members for their work in diverse sectors such as Krishi Sakhi, Bank Sakhi, and Gender Sakhi. He assured them of the Ministry’s continued support in their endeavors. Today, over 10 crore rural women are part of 91.8 lakh SHGs, collectively mobilizing savings of Rs 60,000 crore, demonstrating impressive financial discipline with non-performing assets below 2%.
These 300 Lakhpati Didis and their families will also be part of the Republic Day celebrations, symbolizing the strength of women-led development in rural India. Their presence at Kartavya Path will showcase the transformative impact of socio-economic empowerment and the essential role of women in the nation’s progress. The Lakhpati Didis’ stories of change and resilience highlight the success of the DAY-NRLM interventions and underscore their vision for a prosperous and self-reliant India.
Earlier in the week, Ministry launched its tableau on ‘Lakhpati Didi,’ which will be part of the Republic Day parade. The tableau will highlight women’s economic empowerment and the pivotal role of education and entrepreneurship in building a stronger nation.
