Bhubaneswar: “Under the visionary guidance of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lakhpati Didi Yojana has paved the way for women to earn an annual income of over ₹1 lakh. This initiative is not just about income generation but aims to provide financial independence to women and foster leadership qualities among rural women,” said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the National Lakhpati Didi Conference-2025 today.
According to an official press release, notably, the event, organized by the Mission Shakti Department at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre, saw participation from Lakhpati Didis and government officials from 25 states and Union Territories of India.
The Chief Minister stated that today’s Conference is not merely a celebration of achievements but a testament to our commitment to women’s leadership. The strength and efforts of women fortify the future of families and the nation. The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is not just a welfare scheme; it is a strategy for inclusive and sustainable development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken numerous steps to ensure women’s political, social, and economic independence.
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has been passed in Parliament to ensure women’s representation in politics, enabling at least 33% of women to be elected to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies in future elections.
The Chief Minister further noted that Odisha has implemented the Lakhpati Didi Mission with dedication. By empowering around 17 lakh women as Lakhpati Didis, Odisha has secured the top position in India. This success is a result of the dedication of women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the sincerity of Mission Shakti, and the efficient grassroots efforts of the Odisha Livelihoods Mission.
He added that interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh are being provided to women in SHGs across Odisha. The revolving fund assistance has been increased from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, and the Community Investment Fund has been raised from ₹35 lakh to ₹60 lakh.
These measures have enabled SHG members to confidently advance their businesses and livelihoods. Through Subhadra Shakti Melas, SHG women have conducted business worth lakhs, establishing their identity and boosting their confidence.
The Subhadra Shakti Café has been launched as a new livelihood model, enabling SHG women to operate large-scale cafés. The dedication and hard work of our women are now entering international markets through their businesses.
He emphasized that the government is committed to providing the right environment, support, and resources for the development of every woman in Odisha. Efforts are ongoing to promote women as entrepreneurs and leaders. The goal is to transform the Lakhpati Didi initiative into a movement for enhancing women’s dignity, self-reliance, and leadership.
During the event, Lakhpati Didis Bindhyabashini from Rayagada district and Shobha Digambar Kadam from Maharashtra shared their experiences and success stories.
The Chief Minister felicitated outstanding Lakhpati Didis, including Shakuntala Dhal from Deogarh district, Sulami Dalabehera from Gajapati district, and Mamata Nath Sharma from Kendrapara district. Nayagarh district, which achieved 98% Lakhpati Didi creation, was awarded first place, while Kendrapara, Cuttack, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur districts, with 97% Lakhpati Didi creation, were recognized for securing second place.
Additionally, Devi Prasad Nayak from the Odisha Livelihoods Mission, Bhubaneswar, was honoured as the best state-level official.
During the program, the Chief Minister launched a video on Lakhpati Didis, a coffee table book, and a booklet.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Women and Child Development Pravati Parida, in her address, said that the Lakhpati Didi Yojana is not just a program but a movement.
It has brought women out of the confines of their homes and integrated them into the mainstream of development. Odisha has consistently held the top position in creating Lakhpati Didis, which is a significant achievement.
Rural women are showcasing their expertise in various fields, including agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring, and café management. Through this program, rural women are not only earning for themselves but also setting examples for others.
She expressed confidence that empowered women will play a pivotal role in building a developed India and a prosperous Odisha in the future.
Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg stated that emphasis is being placed on including women in the development process. The goal is not only to create Lakhpati Didis but to make women self-reliant, which is the core objective.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Mission Shakti Department Shalini Pandit delivered the welcome address, while Director Monika Priyadarshini proposed the vote of thanks.
