The Centre’s Lakhpati Didi initiative, implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), aims to help rural women increase their household income through self-employment, skill development and better access to markets. A Lakhpati Didi is an SHG woman whose household earns at least ₹1 lakh annually on a sustainable basis.
Loans and financial support
Under the Women Enterprise Acceleration Fund, women entrepreneurs can get credit guarantee support for loans of up to ₹5 lakh for up to five years. Interest subvention is available on loans of up to ₹1.5 lakh for a maximum of three years.
Women’s Self-Help Groups can also receive interest support on bank credit up to ₹3 lakh, while SHG members with Jan Dhan accounts are eligible for an overdraft facility of up to ₹5,000.
Free training for women
The initiative supports women in developing livelihoods and businesses in areas such as agriculture, livestock, food processing, manufacturing, trading and digital services. Training and support are provided through the DAY-NRLM ecosystem to help women start or expand income-generating activities.
Who can benefit?
The initiative primarily targets women who are members of rural Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The focus is on helping SHG members build sustainable livelihoods and achieve an annual household income of at least ₹1 lakh.
How to apply
Women interested in starting or expanding a livelihood activity should approach their local Self-Help Group, Gram Panchayat, Block Mission office or State Rural Livelihoods Mission. They can discuss their business plan and seek guidance on available credit and training support.
The exact loan amount, interest rate and approval will depend on the applicable lending institution and the eligibility of the applicant/SHG.
For the latest official information and guidance, visit the Lakhpati Didi official portal. The portal also provides information on how to become a Lakhpati Didi and other livelihood initiatives.