Empowering Through Enterprise: Lakhpati Didi Yojana Transforms Women's Lives in Chhattisgarh

Under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Lakhpati Didi Yojana is revolutionizing women's lives in Chhattisgarh, aiming to make 35,000 women lakhpatis through various self-help initiatives. The scheme supports activities like farming and poultry, significantly boosting women's economic status and self-reliance.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), is transforming women's lives in Chhattisgarh and fostering self-reliance and mutual support. The Central Government aims for 35,000 women in the district to become lakhpatis through this mission. In the Lundra development block, women have begun seeing tangible improvements through various self-help group (SHG) initiatives.

The scheme encompasses diverse activities such as sheep rearing, goat rearing, vegetable farming, pigeon rearing, and poultry farming. These endeavors are enabling women from self-help groups to thrive and become lakhpatis. Participants report that the government's initiatives have boosted their social standing and enhanced their ability to care for their families. District Panchayat CEO Nutan Kanwar remarked, "The Central Government has set a target of 35,000, but after surveying 48,000 households, we believe that within two to three years, all women can be made lakhpatis. This number will range between 70,000 to 1 lakh, and we aim to achieve this within two years."

Shobha Lakra, a member of the Champa Mahila Swayam Sahayata Samuh, shared her experience: "We have reared goats and sheep. Joining a group has many advantages, including learning about new government schemes benefiting women. Collective support within the group has proved beneficial. We also access loans through the group, and now we earn more than 1 lakh rupees a year. The government scheme is excellent and is benefiting women."

The impact of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana extends beyond Surguja, with women across rural India transforming their lives through self-help groups under this program. Participants are reportedly earning over a lakh rupees via various entrepreneurial ventures.

Veena, who manages a government ration shop in Jhansi, stated, "When I first got married, I didn't do anything. An NRLM officer connected us with a self-help group, which helped me manage accounts and run the shop. Now, women come to get rations and seek advice, inspiring them to start their ventures." Hemlata, a clothing shop owner, used a Rs 2 lakh loan to expand her business to Rs 6 lakh. She expressed gratitude towards the government and PM Modi for their support in helping them progress.

Sheela Singh, a Vidyut Sakhi, earns Rs 15,000-20,000 monthly collecting bills, and Manisha Yadav, a Banker Sakhi, increased her earnings from Rs 1,200 to Rs 4,000. "I am very happy to see women becoming Lakhpati Didis," Yadav stated. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)