In her budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared the government’s plans to expand the “Lakhpati Didi” scheme, aiming to include three crore women, up from the initial two crore target.
Introduction to Lakhpati Didi Scheme
The “Lakhpati Didi” scheme is a central government initiative introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. It focuses on offering skill development training to rural women, particularly those in self-help groups (SHGs).
Current Progress
Government estimates show that around one crore women have already benefited from the program, showcasing its positive impact on empowering women in rural areas.
Goals and Objectives
The scheme, part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), encourages women to establish micro-enterprises. The goal is for them to earn a minimum annual income of Rs. 1 lakh.
Training and Skill Development
Women enrolled in the program undergo training in various skills, including plumbing, LED bulb making, drone operation and repair, as well as tailoring and weaving. Upon completing the training, they are provided with opportunities to use their new skills to generate income.
Empowering Self-Help Groups
The “Lakhpati Didis” are members of self-help groups, aiming to achieve a sustainable income of at least Rs. 1 lakh per year per household. These groups are encouraged to take up multiple livelihood activities with support from value chain interventions.
Financial Support
To further assist eligible women, the scheme provides a loan of Rs. 5 lakh to each participant. Monthly camps are organized in neighborhoods to facilitate the application process for these loans.
Extension of Healthcare Coverage
In addition to the Lakhpati Didi scheme, Sitharaman announced the extension of healthcare insurance coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all Anganwadi and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers during her speech.
Education and Enrollment
The finance minister highlighted a positive trend in female enrollment in higher education, noting a 28% increase over the past decade. Notably, women now make up 43% of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses.
Government’s Focus on Women Empowerment
Over the years, the Modi government has undertaken targeted initiatives to empower women economically. The “Lakhpati Didi” scheme stands out as one such effort, aligning with the broader goal of enhancing women’s participation in various sectors.
Economic Empowerment in Rural Areas
According to the Economic Survey 2022-23, more than 75% of female workers in rural areas were engaged in the agricultural industry until 2021. This underscores the need for upskilling and creating opportunities for women in agriculture-related fields, including food processing.
In summary, the “Lakhpati Didi” scheme is a significant step towards empowering rural women economically, providing them with valuable skills and financial support to create sustainable livelihoods. The government’s commitment to extending healthcare coverage and promoting education further demonstrates its dedication to overall women empowerment in the country.