Assam’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, launched by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, empowers 7,474 Self-Help Group women with financial aid, skill training, and entrepreneurial support to earn Rs 1 lakh annually. The scheme promotes rural women’s economic independence through businesses in tailoring, farming, dairy, and small-scale industries.
In a landmark step towards empowering women and boosting rural livelihoods, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the ambitious ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative on Wednesday. The programme, which forms part of a nationwide mission under the Ministry of Rural Development, seeks to help women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) achieve an annual household income of Rs 1,00,000 or more through sustainable and diverse livelihood activities.
The launch event, held under the Ramsarani Anchalik Panchayat, was marked by the Chief Minister distributing cheques to 7,474 SHG members, signaling the beginning of a transformative journey for thousands of rural women. The initiative is more than just financial support—it represents recognition of women’s hard work, their entrepreneurial spirit, and their vital role in strengthening local economies.
Stories of Transformation
Among the beneficiaries of the initiative is Purnima Das, a determined woman who runs a small tailoring business. Holding her cheque with pride, she expressed her desire to expand her workshop and employ other local girls. “This money is not just financial help, it’s recognition. I feel supported,” she said. With the additional resources, she hopes to scale up production and create job opportunities for others in her community.
Another SHG member, who has been running a modest dairy business, shared her excitement about the chance to grow further. “I have cows and goats and sell milk in the nearby markets. With this new support, I will be able to buy more livestock and increase my income,” she said. Her story echoes the broader vision of the programme—helping women strengthen their businesses and break the cycle of poverty through sustainable income generation.
Women involved in farming, textiles, poultry, and other small-scale industries have also expressed hope. They are using the funds to purchase sewing machines, improve agricultural inputs, and explore new avenues for entrepreneurship. For many, this marks the first time they have received such recognition and structured support from the government.
Beyond Financial Aid
While the initiative provides direct financial assistance, its scope goes much further. The Lakhpati Didi programme combines financial literacy, skill development, and entrepreneurial guidance to ensure that beneficiaries not only start businesses but also sustain and grow them over time. By creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and resilience, the scheme aims to empower women with knowledge and tools for long-term success.
The programme also emphasizes collective growth through SHGs, enabling women to pool resources, share experiences, and support one another in their entrepreneurial journeys. Activities range from agriculture and animal husbandry to crafts, food processing, and small-scale manufacturing, ensuring diverse opportunities suited to rural economies.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the vision behind the initiative. “A Lakhpati Didi is not just about earning a lakh rupees; it’s about building confidence, financial independence, and respect in the community,” he said. The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s dedication to fostering women-led growth and reiterated the importance of creating self-reliant communities.
Women as Catalysts of Rural Development
The Lakhpati Didi initiative is more than a poverty-alleviation scheme—it is a women-led development model. By equipping rural women with financial means, market linkages, and entrepreneurial skills, the programme positions them as catalysts of change in their communities. Women who were once limited to subsistence-level earnings are now becoming small entrepreneurs, contributing not only to their families’ welfare but also to the state’s economy.
This vision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for every rural household to have at least one woman earning Rs 1 lakh annually. Assam, with its vibrant network of SHGs, is emerging as a frontrunner in this mission.
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As thousands of women like Purnima and her peers embrace new possibilities, the Lakhpati Didi programme is set to become a cornerstone of Assam’s rural empowerment strategy. It promises to reshape the narrative around women in rural India—from being passive recipients of welfare to being active entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers.
For now, the cheque distribution marks the beginning. The real impact will unfold in the coming months, as these women translate opportunities into businesses, dignity, and dreams fulfilled.
