The Lakhpati Didi Yojana (also called the Lakhpati Didi scheme) is a Government of India initiative launched on 15 August 2023 that aims to make rural women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) earn an annual household income of Rs. 1 lakh or more on a sustained basis. The scheme is implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) by the Ministry of Rural Development.
Unlike a typical loan scheme, Lakhpati Didi is a livelihood empowerment programme that combines:
- Skill training in agriculture, dairy, handicrafts, food processing, and modern enterprises (drone, solar, IT)
- Credit linkage with banks, NBFCs, and microfinance institutions
- Market access through aggregators, e-commerce, and government procurement
- Mentorship and handholding through SHG networks
A "Lakhpati Didi" is any SHG woman who has consistently achieved Rs. 1 lakh+ annual income through these support pillars.
Vision and objectives of Lakhpati Didi Yojana
The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is built on a clear vision and set of measurable objectives:
Vision: To create a self-reliant, economically empowered community of women entrepreneurs in rural India — turning 3 crore SHG members into Lakhpati Didis earning Rs. 1 lakh or more every year.
Key objectives of the Lakhpati Didi scheme:
- Promote women-led micro and small enterprises in rural India
- Provide skill training in both traditional and modern enterprises (including drones, solar, food processing)
- Ensure credit access through banks, NBFCs, and MFIs
- Bridge gender disparities in income and credit access
- Strengthen rural economies through women's economic participation
- Reduce dependence on informal lenders and unstable income sources
- Build long-term financial literacy and resilience
Lakhpati Didi Scheme: key highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme name | Lakhpati Didi Yojana/Lakhpati Didi Scheme |
| Launched on | 15 August 2023 (announced); formally implemented from Budget 2024 |
| Implementing body | DAY-NRLM, Ministry of Rural Development |
| Target beneficiaries | Rural women SHG members (under DAY-NRLM) |
| Original target | 2 crore Lakhpati Didis |
| Revised target (Budget 2024) | 3 crore Lakhpati Didis |
| Income goal | Rs. 1 lakh+ annual household income (sustained) |
| Support provided | Skill training, credit linkage, market access, financial literacy, mentorship |
| Application mode | Through SHGs under DAY-NRLM (no direct individual application) |
| Convergence | Mudra, Stand-Up India, PMFME, Drone Didi, PMEGP |
Eligibility criteria for Lakhpati Didi Scheme
To qualify under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria — most critically, being part of a recognised Self-Help Group (SHG) under DAY-NRLM:
Who is eligible:
- Gender: Female (rural women only)
- Age: 18 to 50 years
- Residency: Resident of rural India
- SHG membership: Must be an active member of a Self-Help Group registered under DAY-NRLM
- Activity: Should be engaged in or willing to take up an income-generating activity (agriculture, dairy, handicraft, food processing, retail, services, or modern enterprises)
- Priority categories: Women from SC/ST/OBC, economically weaker sections, and minority communities receive priority
Important note: Lakhpati Didi is not a direct individual application scheme. Eligible women must be part of an SHG, and the SHG works with State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) to enrol members under the programme.
Documents required to apply for Lakhpati Didi Scheme
Applicants need to submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Bank account passbook
- Educational qualification certificates (if applicable)
- Passport size photograph
- Active mobile number
Lakhpati Didi Yojana online apply 2026 (step-by-step)
Women can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the official portal or local government website
- Register with basic personal details
- Upload required documents and business plan
- Fill out the application form carefully
- Submit the form and note the application reference number
- Track application status through the portal
For financial assistance beyond this scheme, women entrepreneurs can explore business loan for women options available online. You can also check your business loan eligibility to understand what financing options suit your needs best.
Lakhpati Didi Scheme application process offline
For those preferring offline submission, here’s how to apply:
- Visit the nearest Gram Panchayat or Block Development Office
- Collect and fill the application form manually
- Attach all necessary documents
- Submit the application to the designated officer
- Obtain an acknowledgment receipt for future reference
Benefits of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana
The scheme offers multiple advantages:
- Easy access to affordable credit for rural women
- Encourages entrepreneurship and self-employment
- Skill development and training support included
- Boosts financial independence and household income
- Empowers women to contribute to rural economic growth
Conclusion
The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is one of India's most ambitious women empowerment schemes — targeting 3 crore rural women to achieve sustained annual incomes of Rs. 1 lakh or more through skill training, credit access, market linkage, and SHG-based mentorship. Beyond just financial support, it's a complete livelihood transformation programme that integrates with Mudra, Stand-Up India, Drone Didi, and PMFME.
For Lakhpati Didi members ready to scale their enterprise beyond the scheme's threshold, a business loan from Bajaj Finserv of up to Rs. 80 lakh can fund machinery, expansion, or working capital. Compare the latest business loan interest rate, check your eligibility, and use a business loan EMI calculator to plan repayments.
