1.50 Lakh Women in Gujarat Become ‘Lakhpati Didi’

Gandhinagar : “The women’s self-help group became our lifeline,” says Ramilaben Mukesh Joshi from Alvada, Banaskantha. In 2024, she began making cotton wicks for lamps, and within a year, her earnings surpassed ₹1 lakh. Aligned with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering women economically, the central government introduced the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme in 2023. This scheme aims to make 3 crore women financially independent by 2027.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, dedicated efforts have been made to ensure that women in Gujarat reap the full benefits of this scheme. As a result, 1.48 lakh women in the state have achieved an annual income of over ₹1 lakh, proudly earning the title of Gujarat’s ‘Lakhpati Didis.’

In 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “The Lakhpati Didi scheme is emerging as a powerful catalyst for women’s empowerment across the country. Our mothers, sisters, and daughters, associated with self-help groups, play a vital role in building a Viksit Bharat.” While the national goal is to create 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ Gujarat is steadily progressing toward its target of 10 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis.’

How Does the Lakhpati Didi Scheme Work?

This scheme empowers rural women associated with self-help groups to establish their businesses and achieve an annual income of over ₹1 lakh. Women can venture into agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, and other local industries. The government extends support through training, financial assistance, and market linkages to enhance their earnings. As per the central government’s guidelines, the income for ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is determined based on the following criteria:

* Annual income from agriculture and related activities.

* Earnings from non-agricultural sectors such as manufacturing, trading, and services.

* Salary or wages earned by any employed family member.

* Income from labour work in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

* Financial aid is received through government welfare schemes.

* Revenue from commissions and honorariums.

Over 7.9 Lakh Women in Gujarat registered in the Scheme

Under this scheme, 7,98,333 women have been registered in Gujarat. Among them, 7,66,743 women are involved in agriculture-based employment, while others generate income from non-agricultural sectors like handicrafts, manufacturing, services, and small businesses.

Over 30,000 Lakhpati Didis in Tribal Districts

The scheme has garnered a tremendous response in Gujarat, with women excelling in various fields through their skills. In Navsari, Valsad, and Dang districts, 1,06,823 women have been recognized, with 30,527 of them attaining an annual income exceeding ₹1 lakh.

Tribal Restaurant, Van Shree Achieves ₹41 Lakh Turnover

In Karanjvel village of Vyara taluka, Tapi district, Ramilaben Parshottam Gamit and ten women from a self-help group run the Van Shree Restaurant. The government provided them with space and the necessary equipment to establish the eatery. Ramilaben shares, “We have been managing this restaurant for four years and initially took a ₹50,000 loan for groceries and essentials, which we have fully repaid. We serve traditional tribal cuisine and earn around ₹3.5 to ₹4 lakh per month. Our turnover, which was ₹40 lakh in 2023, increased to ₹41.88 lakh in 2024. With proper guidance, our earnings have grown significantly, improving our families’ livelihoods.”

124 Master Trainers Provide Training to Over 10,000 People

The Government of Gujarat has taken several strategic measures to ensure the effective implementation of this scheme. A total of 124 master trainers have been appointed at the taluka level, who have trained over 10,000 community resource persons so far. These resource persons will help women associated with self-help groups. The entire process is monitored through the Digital Aajeevika Register, which not only allows real-time tracking but also provides training, financial assistance, and market linkages to women entrepreneurs.