Odisha secures top position under Centre's Lakhpati Didi scheme

Odisha has emerged as the leading state in India under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, a flagship programme of the Central government aimed at empowering rural women to earn ₹1 lakh or more annually through sustainable livelihoods, the state government announced in a press note on Wednesday.

According to the statement, as of April 13, 2025, Odisha has facilitated the creation of 14,41,074 Lakhpati Didis, achieving 82% of its 17.59 lakh identified potential beneficiaries—surpassing all other states in terms of progress.

The programme in Odisha is being implemented by the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) under the Department of Mission Shakti, and is aligned with the goals of the centrally sponsored National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).

Mission-Mode Planning and Ground-Level Leadership

Through a mission-mode approach, the state has forged a powerful model of decentralised planning, local leadership, and structured livelihood support.

“The transformation began at the grassroots, with a door-to-door identification campaign to find Potential Lakhpati Didis (PLDs). Community Support Staff (CSS), SHG leaders, and OLM officials carried out household-level surveys, mapping income levels, skills, and aspirations. These women weren’t just identified, they were trained, encouraged, and mentored,” noted the state government.

Customised Business Plans and Practical Training

It further noted that Individual Business Development Plans (BDPs) were created for each Potential Lakhpati Didi, offering them pathways to expand or diversify their existing economic activities based on their environment and capacity. The state government also launched onsite training sessions in every corner of rural Odisha.

Master trainers supported women in acquiring technical and entrepreneurial skills including tailoring, mushroom cultivation, livestock farming, or food processing. The training was customized, practical, and empowering, turning traditional knowledge into business strategy.

Increased Financial Support for SHGs

The state government also increased the Revolving Fund (RF) from Rs15,000 to Rs 30,000, while the Community Investment Fund (CIF) was substantially enhanced from Rs 35 lakh to Rs 60 lakh.

Subhadra Scheme Strengthens Rural Entrepreneurship

This apart, many eligible beneficiaries benefited significantly through the Subhadra scheme, the flagship programme launched by the new BJP government. The government has offered zero-interest loans up to Rs 10 lakh for prompt repayment, easing the burden of credit for rural entrepreneurs which enabled the Women SHGs to start or expand their small enterprise.

(With IANS Inputs)