J&K Targets 3.64 Lakh Lakhpati Didis by 2029

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Thursday, 16 July 2026

The government of Jammu and Kashmir has intensified its campaign to make women-Self-Help Group (SHG) members into successful entrepreneurs by announcing a target of 3.64 lakh “Lakhpati Didis” by 2029 with convergence of government schemes, skill development, financial inclusion and enterprise support.

Under the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM-UMEED), Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Secretary Mohammad Aijaz Asad directed all stakeholder departments to take a mission mode approach for the project to show tangible results.

He said that the government is putting a greater emphasis on implementation of the flagship program with a thrust to rural women to have sustainable micro-enterprises for their household to earn more than Rs 1 lakh per annum.

Asad claimed that 2.40 lakh women are already Lakhpati Didi in the Union Territory, with 1.24 lakh women needing to be covered up to achieve the Union Territory's target of 3.64 lakh women by 2029.

In the context of the initiative, the Secretary said convergence was the cornerstone and all departments were asked to include flagship schemes of their respective departments with JKRLM and give priority to eligible SHG households. He emphasized on the preparation of enterprise plans at the household level, institutional credit on time, regular handholding and market linkages for ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

Key Highlights:

• J&K aims for 3.64 lakh Lakhpati Didis by 2029
• Women SHGs will get skills, credit, and enterprise support
• Rs 1,200 crore credit and Rs 42 crore in microloans announced

He instructed line departments to draw up a convergence blueprint containing beneficiaries in areas like agriculture, horticulture, livestock, dairy, poultry, fish and allied activities, etc.

Highlighting the need for skill development, Asad said that establishing collaboration with reputed national institutions and specialized training agencies and exposure visits to states having a good livelihood model is necessary.

He also requested the Mission to seek opportunities for cooperation with major private apparel brands and manufacturers to look into outsourcing opportunities for women entrepreneurs which could generate sustainable jobs and livelihoods for the women entrepreneurs and enhance the household earning.

The Secretary emphasized the need of imparting skills to address the market demand and urged departments like Agriculture and Horticulture to impart hands-on training to the students in scientific farming, apple farming, vegetable farming, protected farming etc., and other high value activities.

He also urged the need to create livelihood avenues beyond the traditional areas by engaging with institutions having operations in handicrafts or handloom or in apparel manufacturing or food processing or the digital sector.

Officials said that the Digital Aajeevika Register (DAR) would be utilized for identifying the beneficiary households and tracking progress while the Enterprise Planning Digital Tool (EPDT) would be assisting in preparing customized business plans and analyzing investment needs.

The meeting was also apprised that Rs 1,200 crore of institutional credit is being targeted for possible Lakhpati Didis under the SHG Bank Linkage Program. Besides, under Lal Ded Stree Shakti Scheme in association with J&K Bank, 4200 women will be provided with micro loans worth Rs 42 crore this financial year.

Officials stated that 372 Bank Mitras and 710 Banking Correspondents are offering Doorstep Banking to rural population and financial literacy drive and social security enrolment is being undertaken throughout the Union Territory.

Meanwhile, Harvinder Singh, MD of Mission Yuva, stated that Kupwara has become the district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir with the highest number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

Delivering a statement after a review meeting in Kupwara, Singh said that the district administration had done commendably in implementing Mission Yuva and empowering women with the help of Lakhpati Didi scheme.

“We have decided that the talent pool of Lakhpati Didis in Kupwara will be supported through specific Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) so that their work can be taken forward under Mission Yuva,” he said.

During the review meeting, Singh explained that they discussed the issues related to the applications, strengthening bank relationships and facilitating the beneficiaries to build sustainable businesses, especially in remote areas like Karnah.

“If an applicant does not get a loan today due to a CIBIL issue, it does not mean the person will not be eligible later. Such cases are kept under dormancy and reviewed after the required period,” he said.

Acknowledging delays in bank loan sanctions, Singh said directions had been issued to J&K Bank to streamline the process.

“Any bank branch found not performing properly in processing Mission Yuva applications will face an investigation,” he warned.

He indicated that there would be ongoing support by finance, enterprise development and marketing experts to help beneficiaries make their enterprises sustainable and provide employment, especially in the border and remote areas.