Gandhinagar: Gujarat has achieved a major milestone in women’s economic empowerment, with over 5.96 lakh rural women now earning more than ₹1 lakh annually under the ‘Lakhpati Didi Yojana’, a flagship initiative launched by the Central Government in 2023.
The scheme, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant, developed India (Viksit Bharat), aims to empower 3 crore women across India by 2027. Gujarat, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is aiming to take the number of empowered rural women to 10 lakh in the coming months.
“Women associated with Self-Help Groups are a vital force in building Viksit Bharat,” said Prime Minister Modi in support of the initiative.
Over 10.74 Lakh Women Identified as Future Lakhpati Didis
As of July 2025, 10.74 lakh women across Gujarat have been identified as potential beneficiaries by trained Community Resource Persons (CRPs). These women are currently being assisted based on their skill level, current livelihood activities, and specific needs.
To support the programme, the Ministry of Rural Development has introduced the Digital Aajeevika Register, which captures critical data such as:
- Current income and livelihood activities
- Assets and resources owned
- Expenditure patterns
- Support received under government schemes
This enables targeted intervention in the form of training, financial aid, assets, and marketing support.
How Lakhpati Didi Yojana Works
The Lakhpati Didi scheme empowers women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to launch micro-businesses in various sectors such as:
- Agriculture and allied services
- Animal husbandry
- Local crafts and manufacturing
- Trade and services
- Support provided includes:
- Skill development training
- Credit linkage and financial assistance
- Market access and promotion support
The annual income calculation includes income from agriculture, non-farm activities, family earnings, wage work, and benefits under welfare schemes.
Massive Training Drive: 124 Master Trainers, Over 10,000 CRPs
To scale up the programme effectively:
- 124 Master Trainers have been appointed at the taluka level
- Over 10,000 CRPs have been trained to support women in SHGs
These CRPs serve as on-ground facilitators, helping women plan businesses, track their progress through the Digital Aajeevika Register, and connect with funding or training resources.
Ankitaben’s Journey from Farmer to Drone Pilot
The impact of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana is evident in the story of Ankitaben Pinalbhai Patel, a resident of Shekhpur village, Mahuva taluka, Surat. In 2024, Ankitaben became a certified drone pilot, spraying agricultural medicines for farms in her region.
Within a year, she earned ₹2 lakh, doubling her previous farming income.
“I no longer depend on anyone. Orders keep coming, and our income is now steady,” she says proudly. “My husband supports me completely. This programme has transformed our family’s financial future.”
