Lakhpati Didi Yojana — ₹1 Lakh/Year for Rural Women
Lakhpati Didi Yojana aims to empower 3 crore rural women to earn at least ₹1 lakh annually. Check eligibility, skills training, and how to apply through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development
Quick Summary
Lakhpati Didi at a Glance: A transformative scheme targeting 3 crore rural women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Goal is to ensure each member earns a sustainable annual income of ₹1 lakh or more. Provides skill training in drones, plumbing, LED making, and more. Access to interest-free or low-interest collateral-free loans for micro-businesses.
The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is one of the most ambitious schemes of the Government of India, focused on turning rural women into successful micro-entrepreneurs. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme aims to lift 3 crore (30 million) women out of poverty by enabling them to earn at least ₹1,00,000 annually.
What is Lakhpati Didi Yojana?#
The scheme operates primarily through the network of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). It focuses on providing vocational training, financial literacy, and market access to women, helping them start or scale small businesses.
A unique part of this scheme is the Namo Drone Didi initiative, where women are trained to fly and maintain drones for agricultural purposes like spraying fertilizers and pesticides.
Key Objectives#
- Economic Self-Reliance: Making rural women financially independent.
- Skill Development: Providing training in modern vocations (LED bulbs, plumbing, weaving, etc.).
- Poverty Alleviation: Ensuring a minimum annual household income of ₹1 lakh.
- Digital & Financial Literacy: Training women in digital payments and banking.
Who is Eligible?#
To benefit from the Lakhpati Didi scheme, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Gender: Only women are eligible.
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of India (primarily rural areas).
- SHG Membership: The applicant must be an active member of a registered Self-Help Group (SHG).
- Income Status: Priority is given to women from low-income or BPL (Below Poverty Line) households.
Key Benefits#
- Skill Training: Free vocational training based on the woman's interest and local market demand.
- Namo Drone Didi: Special training in drone technology for agriculture, with a monthly stipend in some states.
- Financial Support:
- Access to collateral-free loans through SHGs.
- Concessional interest rates on business loans.
- Revolving funds for initial business setup.
- Market Linkage: Assistance in selling products through government portals like GeM (Government e-Marketplace) and local fairs.
- Insurance Coverage: Beneficiaries are often linked to PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana.
Training Modules Offered#
Under the scheme, women can choose from various skills, including:
- Drone Pilot training (Namo Drone Didi)
- LED bulb manufacturing and repair
- Plumbing and electrical work
- Tailoring and fashion designing
- Food processing (Pickles, Papad, Jams)
- Organic farming and vermicompost making
- Handicrafts and handloom
How to Apply for Lakhpati Didi Yojana#
Since the scheme is implemented through SHGs, the application process is decentralized.
Step 1: Join an SHG
If you are not already a member, visit your local Gram Panchayat or Anganwadi center to join a registered Self-Help Group in your village.
Step 2: Express Interest
Inform your SHG leader (Pradhan/President) that you want to enroll in the Lakhpati Didi program for a specific skill.
Step 3: Documentation
Submit your documents to the SHG leader. They will forward your name to the Block Development Office (BDO) or the Rural Livelihood Mission office.
Step 4: Verification & Training
Once verified, you will be called for a training program at the nearest training center (like RSETI or KVK).
Step 5: Loan Approval
After completing the training, your SHG can help you apply for a micro-loan to start your business.
Documents Required#
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID or Ration Card
- SHG Membership Certificate/ID
- Bank Passbook (Active savings account)
- Passport-size photographs
- Mobile number (Linked to Aadhaar)
- Income Certificate (if required locally)
The government has recently increased the target of the Lakhpati Didi scheme from 2 crore to 3 crore women, highlighting the massive success and viral nature of this initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions#
1. Is Lakhpati Didi a direct cash transfer scheme? No. It is not a "free money" scheme. It provides training, resources, and loans to help women earn at least ₹1 lakh annually through their own work or business.
2. Can an individual woman apply without an SHG? Currently, the scheme is primarily routed through Self-Help Groups. If you are not in one, you are encouraged to join one to avail the benefits.
3. What is the "Namo Drone Didi" part of this scheme? It is a flagship component where 15,000 SHGs are provided with drones. Women are trained as drone pilots to provide services to farmers, earning a significant income.
4. What is the maximum loan amount under this scheme? Depending on the business plan, SHGs can facilitate loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh or more through bank linkages.
5. How can I check my status in the Lakhpati Didi list? You can check with your SHG leader or the Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU) office in your area. Many states are also launching dedicated portals for status tracking.