Odisha becomes Top-Performing Indian state under Lakhpati Didi initiative

By: WE Staff | Friday, 30 May 2025

• Odisha’s Nayagarh district achieved a 98% success rate in transforming SHGs
• Financially independent women earn over Rs 1 lakh annually
• Odisha has transformed 17 lakh women into Lakhpati Didis

Odisha has become the top-performing state in India under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, with Nayagarh district achieving a 98 per cent success rate in transforming self-help group members into financially independent women earning over Rs 1 lakh annually. The initiative is a social movement fostering financial independence and leadership among rural women, with nearly 17 lakh women already transformed.

The National Lakhpati Didi Conference 2025, held in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, highlighted this achievement, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi addressing the event. The conference, attended by Lakhpati Didis and government officials across 25 states and union territories, lauded the initiative for boosting economic empowerment.

CM Mohan Charan mentioned, "The Lakhpati Didi scheme is not merely a welfare programme but an inclusive and sustainable development strategy. It is a social movement to instill financial independence and leadership among rural women." He said that Odisha has transformed 17 lakh women into Lakhpati Didis, providing interest-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh, increased revolving fund assistance from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000, and raised the community investment fund from Rs 35 lakh to Rs 60 lakh, enabling SHG members to advance their businesses and livelihoods.

The CM added, "Through the Subhadra Shakti Mela, SHG women can engage in business worth lakhs of rupees, creating their identity and boosting self-confidence. Our Subhadra Shakti Cafe has started as a new livelihood model, with SHG women running large cafes. The dedication and hard work of our women are now enabling them to enter the international market through business."

Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, praised a scheme empowering women to participate in development. The state aims to create 25 lakh Lakhpati Didis by 2027, with each village having at least five. The rural economy is now in women's hands, with success stories shared.