Raipur: Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, has announced an ambitious goal of creating 10 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ across the state to strengthen women’s economic empowerment. The announcement was made during the Lakhpati Didi Samman Sammelan organised on the occasion of International Women’s Day in Raipur.
During the event, the Chief Minister also launched the Lakhpati Didi Gram Portal, a digital platform aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs and self-help group members in expanding their businesses and income opportunities.
Government Aims to Increase Lakhpati Didis from 8 Lakh to 10 Lakh
Addressing the gathering, Vishnu Deo Sai said that around 8 lakh women in Chhattisgarh have already become Lakhpati Didis, and the state government now aims to increase this number to 10 lakh in the coming years.
He added that when every village has women earning at least ₹1 lakh annually, such villages will be recognized as “Lakhpati Villages.” The government is preparing special plans to support this initiative as part of its vision for a developed Chhattisgarh.
IIM Raipur to Provide Training for Women Entrepreneurs
To help women expand their businesses and increase their income, the state government has partnered with Indian Institute of Management Raipur to provide professional training and entrepreneurship guidance to Lakhpati Didis.
The Chief Minister stated that the goal is not only to make women lakhpatis but eventually crorepatis, enabling them to become strong contributors to the state’s economy.
Mahatari Vandan Yojana Continues to Support Women
During the event, CM Sai also highlighted the success of the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, a flagship welfare scheme of the state government.
According to him:
- The government has already released 24 installments under the scheme.
- A total of ₹15,000 crore has been transferred to beneficiaries so far.
He said the scheme will continue without interruption, despite criticism from the opposition when it was first launched.
Women Self-Help Groups Driving Economic Growth
Vijay Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, said that the Lakhpati Didi initiative has significantly empowered rural women in the state. He noted that the government’s next goal is to transform Lakhpati Didis into “Crorepati Didis” in the future.
Officials also highlighted the role of the Bihan programme under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission, which has helped thousands of women improve their livelihoods through agriculture, livestock, and other income-generating activities.
Currently:
- Over 30.85 lakh women in Chhattisgarh are connected to 2.87 lakh self-help groups.
- Around 15 lakh women linked with the Bihan programme are adopting modern agricultural techniques.
- More than 6.36 lakh women are engaged in activities like poultry farming, fisheries, and goat rearing.
Women from Naxal-Affected Areas Also Benefiting
Officials revealed that even women from Naxal-affected regions are benefiting from the initiative. More than one lakh women from these areas have already achieved Lakhpati status, demonstrating the programme’s impact in improving rural livelihoods and promoting economic stability.
Women’s Education Key to State Development
CM Sai emphasized that women’s education is crucial for Chhattisgarh’s development, noting that educated women uplift both their parental and marital families. He said empowering women economically and socially will play a major role in building a strong and developed Chhattisgarh.
The state government reiterated its commitment to providing financial assistance, training, and institutional support to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses and achieve higher income levels in the coming years.
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