Odisha aims to create 25 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ by 2027: Deputy CM Pravati Parida

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Tuesday said the state government has set a target to create Lakhpati Didis in every household and Mahalakhpati in every village as part of its expanded Mission Shakti empowerment drive.
 
Speaking at a Mission Shakti programme held in Bhubaneswar, Parida highlighted that Odisha currently has 17 lakh Lakhpati Didis, women who earn a sustainable annual income through self-help group (SHG) activities. 

The state government has now set an ambitious target to increase this number to 25 lakh by 2027, she said.

“The fair will begin across 30 districts after January 14. I hope, when the fair will end, many women will have become Mahalakhpati Didi. We have a target to create a Lakhpati Didi in every household and each village will have a Mahalakhpati Didi,” Parida said.

Interest Reimbursement to SHGs Across Odisha

The Deputy Chief Minister informed that the government has reimbursed interest amounts to more than 2.24 lakh self-help groups across the state through the Mission Shakti Department. This initiative aims to reduce financial burden on women-led groups and encourage entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

On Tuesday, the state government transferred Rs 117.12 crore of interest subvention directly to the bank accounts of SHG members. 

For the current financial year, the government has set a target to provide Rs 700 crore in interest assistance. So far, Rs 500 crore has already been disbursed, Parida said.

Focus on Economic Empowerment of Women

Reiterating the government’s commitment to women’s financial independence, Parida said the goal is to ensure ‘a Lakhpati Didi’, a self-reliant woman earning a stable income, in every household in Odisha. 

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The creation of Mahalakhpati in villages is expected to further strengthen the SHG ecosystem and boost rural livelihoods in the state.