Empowering Women: 'Lakhpati Didis' Take Center Stage

New Delhi- In line with the Prime Minister's vision, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development organized a National Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on integrating Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into service sector enterprises, aiming to create "Lakhpati Didis."

Inaugurating the workshop, Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary for Rural Livelihoods, emphasized the historical significance of the event. He noted that the mission is committed to realizing the Prime Minister's vision of "Lakhpati Didis," focusing on integrating SHGs into the burgeoning service sector. Highlighting the sector's contribution to 50% of the GDP and 31% of jobs, Shri Singh stressed the importance of launching sub-schemes to engage SHGs for their economic upliftment.

Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary for Rural Livelihoods, set the context by reflecting on the Prime Minister's announcement on August 15, 2023, and his subsequent interaction with Lakhpati Didis on March 11, 2024. She emphasized the need to focus on demand-based economic activities and assured that DAY-NRLM, along with its stakeholders, will guide, train, and support SHG Didis in creating successful service sector enterprises.

Key Discussions and Insights

Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary for Rural Livelihoods, highlighted the importance of convergence in realizing the Prime Minister's ambitious dream. She emphasized that the Ministry, in partnership with various stakeholders, will leverage every opportunity to transform SHG Didis into Lakhpati Didis.

The workshop aimed to:

• Understand the current landscape, opportunities, and challenges faced by women SHGs in the service sector.

• Identify best practices and successful models for integrating women SHGs into service enterprises.

• Develop a roadmap and strategies for the successful integration of SHG women into the service sector.

Participants included representatives from eleven ministries, ten State Rural Livelihoods Missions, sector skill councils, national resource organizations, and technical support agencies. The workshop featured open discussions on various ideas and active engagement from all participants.

Conclusion and Way Forward

Rajeshwari SM, Director of Rural Livelihoods, welcomed the participants and outlined the workshop's agenda. In his concluding remarks, RS Rekhi, Consultant for Rural Livelihoods, highlighted the key takeaways and the way forward based on the insights gained from the workshop.

The consultative workshop marks a significant step towards empowering women SHGs and transforming them into Lakhpati Didis, contributing to economic growth and the upliftment of rural communities.