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.

In summary

The Lakhpati Didi Yojana helps rural women build sustainable livelihoods through skills, credit support and market access, with the goal of enabling SHG members to earn at least Rs. 1 lakh annually.

• The Lakhpati Didi scheme is a livelihood empowerment programme under DAY-NRLM, not a direct loan scheme.
• The programme targets 3 crore SHG women earning an annual household income of Rs. 1 lakh or more, revised from 2 crore in Budget 2024.
• Launched on 15 August 2023, the initiative was formally expanded through the Union Budget 2024.
• Support may include training in drone operations, LED bulb production, dairy and food processing, along with market access and credit linkage of Rs. 1–5 lakh at zero or subsidised interest.
• The core eligibility covers rural women aged 18–50 who are active DAY-NRLM SHG members and undertake income-generating activities.

Women entrepreneurs who have crossed the Rs. 1 lakh income threshold can explore a business loan from Bajaj Finance of up to Rs. 80 lakh to scale their enterprise.

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

To apply for the Lakhpati Didi Yojana offline, visit your nearest Gram Panchayat, Block Development Office (BDO) or local State Rural Livelihood Mission office.

• Ask the local official how to become Lakhpati Didi through SHG participation.
• Collect the application form from the designated officer or SHG coordinator.
• Complete the form and attach your Aadhaar card, bank passbook, photograph and income proof.
• Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the designated officer.
• Collect the acknowledgement receipt and retain its number for future status enquiries.

Contact your SHG coordinator if you need help completing or submitting the form.

What are the benefits of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?

The main Lakhpati Didi Yojana benefits under the Lakhpati Didi Scheme include livelihood training, credit linkage, market support and financial skills that help rural SHG women build sustainable income-generating activities.

An eligible Lakhpati Didi can explore financing from Bajaj Finance to scale her enterprise further.

What is the target of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?

The target of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme is to enable 3 crore rural SHG women under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana to earn a sustained annual household income of Rs. 1 lakh or more. When announced on 15 August 2023, the programme had an original target of 2 crore women. The Interim Budget 2024–25 increased this target to 3 crore after nearly 1 crore women had already achieved Lakhpati Didi status. The income must continue across multiple business or livelihood cycles rather than represent a one-time earning. Government data reported that approximately 1.48 crore SHG members had become Lakhpati Didis by March 2025, showing continued progress towards the revised target.

How does Lakhpati Didi differ from Stand-Up India?

Both initiatives support women entrepreneurs, but the Lakhpati Didi Yojana and Stand-Up India differ in their beneficiaries, funding structure, income goals and application methods.

This Lakhpati Didi vs Stand-Up India comparison helps applicants choose support based on their enterprise type and funding needs.

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.