IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

DIDI LAKHPATI

28th December, 2023 Polity

DIDI LAKHPATI

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: bsehexam.org

Context: The Prime Minister pledges to empower 20 million women from Self-Help Groups to become 'Lakhpati', supported by the commitment of the women present, aspiring for every 'Didi' to achieve financial prosperity.

Key Highlights

  • The Lakhpati Didi Initiative aims to uplift women in rural India by fostering entrepreneurship and skill development.
  • Target Group: The program primarily targets women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across rural India, aiming to leverage these groups' collective strength for empowerment.
  • Diverse Skill Sets: It offers training in various skill domains, encompassing a wide spectrum from traditional tailoring and weaving to modern domains like plumbing, LED bulb making, and even drone operation and repair. This diverse training opens up multiple avenues for income generation.
  • Entrepreneurship Facilitation: Beyond imparting skills, the initiative focuses on supporting women in initiating and growing their businesses. This support likely includes guidance on business planning, market access, and possibly mentorship.
  • Startup Capital: Women participating in the program receive financial assistance to kick-start their entrepreneurial ventures. This financial aid might cover initial business expenses or serve as seed money.
  • Scale of Participation: In its initial phase, the program has achieved significant traction, with over 2 million women receiving training within the first year. Impressively, more than half of them have taken steps to start their businesses, totalling over a million new enterprises.
  • Transformational Potential: The initiative's ultimate goal is to empower these women economically, granting them the means to achieve financial independence and significantly improve their lives and those of their families.

Conclusion

  • By investing in skill-building, entrepreneurial support, and financial backing, the Lakhpati Didi Initiative marks a crucial step in the government's broader strategy to empower rural women. It not only enriches their livelihood opportunities but also contributes to the larger goal of fostering self-reliance and inclusive economic growth across rural India.

Must Read Articles:

'LAKHPATI DIDI' INITIATIVE: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/lakhpati-didi-initiative

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What impact have self-help groups made on the socio-economic empowerment of individuals in India, and what are the key factors contributing to their success in fostering community development and financial independence?