Empowering Women in Rural India: The Rise of 'Lakhpati Didis'

In 2024, India's rural development ministry focused on women's empowerment through self-help groups (SHGs), linking them with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). With initiatives like 'Lakhpati Didi', the focus is on economically empowering women. Despite criticisms, new technology solutions are integrated into schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

The Indian Ministry of Rural Development enhanced its commitment to women's empowerment in 2024, rallying over 10 crore rural households into nearly 91 lakh self-help groups. One key initiative, 'Lakhpati Didi', empowers women in SHGs to earn at least Rs 1 lakh per annum, showcasing a robust push towards economic elevation and self-sufficiency.

Despite facing criticism over fund halts for West Bengal under MGNREGS and the introduction of technology-based systems like APBS and NMMS, officials defend these solutions as non-disruptive. The ministry underscores the participation of women, who constitute over half the beneficiaries provided employment under MGNREGS this financial year.

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) aligns with these efforts, sanctioning houses in women's or joint ownership. Meanwhile, improved access to multiple social schemes has spurred a positive change, with women's income under DAY-NRLM rising by 19% as informal loan dependence decreases.

(With inputs from agencies.)