Bhubaneswar, Apr 17 (UNI) Odisha has secured the number one position in India under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, a flagship programme of the central government aimed at empowering rural women to earn Rs.1 lakh or more annually through sustainable livelihoods.
Official sources stated on Thursday that as of April 13, 2025, Odisha has created 14,41,074 Lakhpati Didis, achieving 82 percent of its target of 17.59 lakh potential earners, thereby surpassing all other states.
The mission is being implemented in Odisha by the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) under the Department of Mission Shakti and is aligned with the objectives of the centrally sponsored National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
Through a mission-mode approach, the state has developed a powerful model of decentralized planning, local leadership, and structured livelihood support.
The transformation began at the grassroots level with a door-to-door identification campaign to find Potential Lakhpati Didis (PLDs).
Community Support Staff (CSS), Self Help Group (SHG) leaders, and OLM officials conducted household-level surveys, mapping income levels, skills, and aspirations.
These women were not just identified—they were trained, encouraged, and mentored. Individual Business Development Plans (BDPs) were created for each PLD, offering tailored pathways to expand or diversify their economic activities based on local environments and personal capacities.
To bring these plans to life, the state launched on-site training sessions across rural Odisha.
Master trainers supported women in acquiring technical and entrepreneurial skills such as tailoring, mushroom cultivation, livestock farming, and food processing.
The training was customized, hands-on, and empowering—transforming traditional knowledge into viable business strategies.
According to official sources, the Revolving Fund (RF) was increased from Rs.15,000 to Rs.30,000, while the Community Investment Fund (CIF) was substantially enhanced from Rs.35 lakh to Rs.60 lakh.
Many eligible beneficiaries also received Subhadra benefits, which helped boost their self-confidence.
The state government further supported rural entrepreneurs by offering zero-interest loans of up to Rs.10 lakh for timely repayment, easing credit burdens and enabling Women SHGs to start or expand their enterprises.
UNI DP KK