Odisha Becomes Top State in Centre’s Lakhpati Didi Scheme
Odisha has achieved the top position in India under the Central Government’s Lakhpati Didi scheme, which aims to help rural women earn at least ₹1 lakh per year through sustainable and skill-based livelihoods. This announcement was made by the state government in a press release on Wednesday.
As of April 13, 2025, Odisha has successfully helped 14,41,074 women become “Lakhpati Didis,” reaching 82% of its target of 17.59 lakh potential beneficiaries. This makes Odisha the best-performing state under the scheme.
The programme is being implemented in Odisha by the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM), under the Department of Mission Shakti. It works alongside the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), which is supported by the Central government.
Focused Planning and Local Involvement
The success of the scheme in Odisha is largely due to its focused and mission-based approach. The planning was done at the local level, and leadership was encouraged within communities. A special door-to-door campaign was carried out to identify Potential Lakhpati Didis (PLDs). Community Support Staff (CSS), leaders of Self Help Groups (SHGs), and OLM officials worked together to visit households, assess income levels, understand existing skills, and learn about the aspirations of women.
These women were not only identified but were also guided and mentored through the process of improving their livelihoods.
Business Plans and Skill Training
Each identified woman received an individual business development plan (BDP) tailored to her current work and environment. These plans showed them how to expand or start new economic activities in areas they were comfortable with.
In addition, the state arranged for hands-on training sessions across rural areas of Odisha. Master trainers helped women learn practical and technical skills such as tailoring, mushroom farming, livestock care, and food processing. These trainings were designed to be simple, relevant, and useful so that women could confidently turn their traditional knowledge into successful small businesses.
More Financial Support for SHGs
The Odisha government also increased the financial help given to Self Help Groups (SHGs). The Revolving Fund was doubled from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000. The Community Investment Fund was increased from ₹35 lakh to ₹60 lakh, allowing groups to grow faster.
Additionally, many women have benefited from the Subhadra scheme, a flagship initiative of the new BJP government. Under this scheme, zero-interest loans of up to ₹10 lakh are offered to rural women who repay on time. This has helped many SHGs to start or grow their small businesses without the pressure of high-interest loans.
