Why in News?

  • Union Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a review meeting of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY–NRLM).
  • He directed officials to work on a war footing to achieve the revised target of creating 6 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

WHAT IS LAKHPATI DIDI INITIATIVE?

  • A ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is a woman member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) who earns at least ₹1 lakh per year through sustainable livelihood activities.
  • The aim is to make rural women financially independent and self-reliant.

NEW TARGET & ACTION PLAN

  • Target: 6 crore Lakhpati Didis
  • To achieve this, at least 10 crore women must be linked to Financial Inclusion Initiatives
The Minister instructed officials to:
  • Prepare a Concrete and Time-Bound Action Plan
  • Strengthen Coordination with State Governments
  • Ensure Faster Implementation
IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION Financial inclusion is the backbone of Women Empowerment. It includes:
  • Bank Linkages
  • Access to Credit
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Financial Literacy
When women join the Formal Financial System, they can:
  • Start Small Enterprises
  • Increase Savings
  • Become Economically Independent
PROPER USE OF FUNDS The Minister directed:
  • Effective utilisation of the Allocated Budget
  • Special focus on Low-Performing States
  • Provide guidance where funds are Under-Utilised
Goal: Achieve targets within the Stipulated Timeline. ABOUT DAY-NRLM The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission aims to reduce poverty by promoting:
  • Self-Employment
  • Strong Community Institutions
It works through four key components:
  1. Institutional Building and Capacity Development
  2. Social Inclusion and Social Development
  3. Financial Inclusion
  4. Livelihood Promotion
The mission focuses on strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR

  • Around ₹1.5 lakh crore provided through Bank Linkage Programme
  • About 5 crore individuals connected to Financial Literacy Programmes
  • Nearly 7 crore people covered under Insurance and Social Security Schemes
These achievements show strong progress in Rural Livelihood Enhancement. GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT The Minister emphasized that success is not just about numbers but about:
  • Improving Income Levels
  • Enhancing Quality of Life
  • Building Long-Term Economic Empowerment
The mission supports the vision of an Atmanirbhar Rural Economy. CONCLUSION The government aims to create 6 crore Lakhpati Didis under DAY–NRLM by expanding Financial Inclusion and Livelihood Opportunities. With better planning, strong Centre-State Coordination, and continuous monitoring, the mission can significantly transform the economic status of rural women and promote Inclusive Growth in India.