Imagine a village woman with no income, no formal job, and no business background. Now imagine her earning ₹1 lakh per year, running her own business, and leading other women toward financial freedom.
This is not a dream. It’s the goal of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, a life-changing scheme launched by the Government of India to empower rural women through self-employment, training, and microfinance.
In this article, you’ll learn what the scheme is, who can benefit, how to apply, and how lakhs of women are becoming self-made lakhpatis in rural India.
What Is Lakhpati Didi Yojana?
Lakhpati Didi Yojana is a Central Government initiative that aims to make at least 2 crore rural women earn an income of ₹1 lakh or more per year by supporting them through:
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Skill training
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Business tools
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Micro-loans
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Group-based entrepreneurship
The scheme is run under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) with a focus on Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Objective of the Scheme
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Promote women-led rural enterprises
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Train women in income-generating skills
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Provide small loans for starting businesses
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Help rural women earn stable and dignified income
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Strengthen grassroots economic empowerment
How Rural Women Are Becoming Lakhpati Didis
Thousands of rural women in India are now earning ₹8000 to ₹10000 per month through this scheme. Here’s how:
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They receive free training in trades like stitching, farming, dairy, handicrafts, food processing, and solar panel repair
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The government gives them seed funding or micro loans
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These women form or join Self Help Groups and start small businesses
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They sell their products locally, through SHG networks, and even on digital platforms
Many of these women are now supporting their families, educating their children, and even training other women in their villages.
Eligibility Criteria for Lakhpati Didi Yojana
To apply, you must:
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Be a woman living in a rural area
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Be a member of a registered Self Help Group (SHG)
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Be aged between 18 and 50 years
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Not already earning more than ₹1 lakh annually
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Be interested in starting or scaling a small business
Benefits of Lakhpati Didi Yojana
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Skill Development: Free training in over 20+ rural trades
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Financial Assistance: Access to micro-loans through SHG or banks
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Handholding Support: Mentoring and help in selling products
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Digital and Marketing Help: Support in e-commerce or local sales
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Women Empowerment: Promotes confidence, leadership, and income growth
List of Popular Trades Under the Scheme
Women can get trained in:
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Stitching and tailoring
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Pickle, papad, and jam making
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Mushroom farming
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Goat rearing and poultry
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Vermicomposting
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Mobile repair and solar work
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Leaf plate making and handicrafts
How to Apply for Lakhpati Didi Yojana
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Join a Self Help Group
If you are not already in an SHG, contact your village panchayat or block office to join one.
Step 2: Contact your District Mission
Visit the nearest Rural Livelihood Mission office and submit your details as an SHG member.
Step 3: Register for training
You will be enrolled in a training session based on your interest and village need.
Step 4: Receive financial support
After training, you can apply for a loan or get toolkits to start your business.
Real-Life Example: From Housewife to Entrepreneur
Rekha Devi from a small village in Uttar Pradesh joined her SHG in 2022. Under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, she learned mushroom farming and received a ₹20,000 loan. Today, she earns ₹9000 per month and trains 8 other women in her group.
Stories like hers are becoming common across India, proving that this scheme is truly transforming rural lives.