Lakhpati Didi (SHG women)
Lakhpati Didi helps women in rural self-help groups (SHGs) earn at least ₹1 lakh a year for their family, through low-cost loans, training and help to start or grow small businesses. Over 3 crore women had become Lakhpati Didis by May 2026.
What is Lakhpati Didi?
A Lakhpati Didi is a self-help group (SHG) member whose household earns ₹1 lakh or more a year on a sustained basis. The initiative, started in 2023, works through the government's rural livelihood mission, DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission). By May 2026, 3.07 crore rural women had become Lakhpati Didis.
What support do women get?
- Revolving Fund of ₹20,000–₹30,000 per eligible SHG, to start lending within the group.
- Community Investment Fund of up to ₹2.5 lakh per SHG, through village and cluster federations, for members' income activities.
- Bank loans to SHGs at low interest, with interest subvention in many districts.
- Training in business, money management and digital skills. A National Campaign on Entrepreneurship started in January 2026 to train 50 lakh SHG members.
- Help to start livelihoods such as dairy, poultry, tailoring, food processing, shops, and services like Drone Didi (farm drones) and Bank Sakhi.
Who can join?
- Women from poor rural households can join a self-help group of usually 10–20 women in their village.
- SHG members who are active and want to start or grow an income activity get the Lakhpati Didi support.
How to join
- Ask your village's SHG leader, Village Organisation, or the Community Resource Person (CRP) to add you to an SHG.
- Attend weekly meetings, save small amounts regularly and keep records.
- After the SHG is graded, it can get the revolving fund and bank loans.
- Make a simple business plan with the CRP's help to use the loan for an income activity.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
- Andhra Pradesh: SHGs are supported by SERP (rural) and MEPMA (towns). Ask at your village/ward secretariat.
- Telangana: SHGs are supported by SERP and MEPMA, and also get interest-free loans up to ₹10 lakh under Indira Mahila Shakti.
Frequently asked questions
Who is a Lakhpati Didi?
A self-help group member whose household earns ₹1 lakh or more a year on a sustained basis.
How many Lakhpati Didis are there?
Over 3.07 crore rural women had become Lakhpati Didis by May 2026.
Do I get ₹1 lakh directly from the government?
No. The scheme helps you earn ₹1 lakh a year through SHG loans, training and business support. It is not a direct cash payment.
How do I join a self-help group?
Contact your village SHG leader, Village Organisation or Community Resource Person (CRP), or ask at your village/ward secretariat.
What businesses can Lakhpati Didis do?
Dairy, poultry, tailoring, food processing, small shops, services such as drone spraying (Drone Didi) and banking help (Bank Sakhi), and more.
Sources
- PIB: Lakhpati Didi scheme
- PIB: Key interventions for women's economic advancement (Mar 2026, PDF)
- PIB: Department of Rural Development Year Ender 2025