Manipur Targets One Lakh Lakhpati Didis by 2029 to Boost Women

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Wednesday, 28 October 2026

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between banks and women’s SHGs for empowering the economy and entrepreneurship in the region. His observations were made during the 18th Saras Aajeevika Mela 2026, inaugurated on October 27 at City Convention Centre, Imphal.

Scheduled from October 27 to November 6, the mela includes over 100 stalls exhibiting products produced by women members of SHGs. Speaking at the conference, the CM said that there were around 26,000 Lakhpati Didis in Manipur, and an effort was made to raise the number to one lakh by 2029. The CM added that this goal could only be achieved with the assistance of banks.

Key Highlights:

• Manipur targets one lakh Lakhpati Didis by 2029, up from 26,000
• Saras Aajeevika Mela features over 100 stalls showcasing women-led SHG products
• Officials highlight banking support and market access to boost rural women's businesses

The CM acknowledged the role played by Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) officials in the development of livelihoods for rural women. This contribution will help promote activities that may assist rural women to acquire opportunities for livelihoods as well as enhance income generation efforts.

To illustrate the involvement of women in trade in Manipur, the Chief Minister cited the Ima Market in Imphal which is run entirely by women, providing an avenue for women vendors to sell basic necessities and other items.

As per Nemcha Kipgen, Deputy Chief Minister, the melas hosted by SARAS provide SHGs with a chance to showcase and market their goods along with meeting customers that are not only from their localities but from other places as well. Furthermore, the melas allow the rural artisans to discover new markets and also get some business opportunities to grow further.

According to Sumant Singh, Commissioner of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Manipur bagged the number one spot when it came to women participation in women-owned businesses, as per the research conducted on women's participation in MSMEs. He emphasized that rural fairs can prove to be excellent platforms to increase entrepreneurial activities among women and increase their family income levels.

The programme also consisted of a group interaction session with the Lakhpati Didis in which they elaborated about their experience of being women entrepreneurs. They appreciated the efforts made by MSRLM to help them grow their business and make their living sustainable.

Their experience underscored the significance of livelihood programs that would help them to engage in income generation. With continued assistance and market access, women entrepreneurs can gradually make their ventures sustainable.

The CM paid a visit to the stalls set up for showcasing the products of the members of SHGs. These stalls displayed a wide variety of products created by rural women and gave an insight into entrepreneurial endeavours facilitated by SHG groups. He also pointed out women’ vital contribution made to the history of the state in socio-economic and political terms.

The inaugural program had the participation of State Mission Director of MSRLM, a general manager from NABARD, bankers, SHG members, Lakhpati Didis and MSRLM officials. This program brought under one roof all the stakeholders engaged in rural development, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship of rural women.