Lakhpati Didi Scheme: Key Features, Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process

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.

The Lakhpati Didi Scheme 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

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 Scheme

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

The Lakhpati Didi Scheme 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 Finance 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.