Inspiring Lakhpati Didi Initiative Uplifts Over 6.7 Lakh Women in Northeast India

Agartala: The Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani presented a detailed report in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the success of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) in empowering rural women across Northeast India. The report, submitted in response to a question by Kota Srinivasa Poojary and Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, highlighted the economic upliftment brought about by the Lakhpati Didi initiative and the NaMo Drone Didi Scheme.

The Lakhpati Didi initiative, a core component of DAY-NRLM, focuses on ensuring that members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) achieve a sustainable annual income of Rs 1 lakh. This transformative program has significantly impacted rural women across the eight Northeastern states with over 6.7 lakh women benefiting from it.

These numbers highlight the initiative’s widespread reach and impact, which continues to transform lives across the region.

State-wise achievements of the Lakhpati Didi initiative in the Northeast

The program has seen varying levels of success across Northeast India, with Assam emerging as the leader with a remarkable 5,18,359 beneficiaries. Other states have also made significant progress:

2. Tripura: 58,495 beneficiaries
3. Meghalaya: 39,976 beneficiaries
4. Mizoram: 17,167 beneficiaries
5. Manipur: 15,559 beneficiaries
6. Nagaland: 12,294 beneficiaries
7. Sikkim: 7,794 beneficiaries
8. Arunachal Pradesh: 5,057 beneficiaries

These numbers underline the program’s extensive reach, which has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for rural women across the region.

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Technological empowerment through the NaMo Drone Didi scheme

The NaMo Drone Didi Scheme, another initiative under DAY-NRLM, is a pioneering effort by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare to introduce technology-driven solutions in agriculture. The scheme aims to provide 15,000 drones to SHG members across India between 2023 and 2026.

During the first phase in 2023-24, 503 drones were distributed nationwide including nine drones allocated to Assam, the only Northeastern state to receive drones so far. These drones, funded by fertilizer companies, are primarily used for precision agriculture including tasks such as:

1. Crop spraying for fertilizers and pesticides.
2. Monitoring crop health.
3. Optimizing resource usage in farming operations.

The scheme empowers rural women by equipping them with technical skills to operate drones, thereby modernizing agriculture and enhancing productivity. Future phases of the scheme are expected to distribute drones to other Northeastern states, bringing advanced technology to the region’s farming communities.

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The economic impact of DAY-NRLM

An impact evaluation study commissioned by the Ministry of Rural Development, with support from the World Bank, underscores the program’s success in achieving economic and social empowerment for SHG members. The key findings include:

1. A 19% increase in income for SHG members.
2. A 28% rise in savings, fostering greater financial security.
3. A 20% decline in dependence on informal loans, reducing the financial burden on rural households.
4. Improved access to government social welfare schemes, with SHG members availing an average of 6.5 schemes compared to 2.8 previously.
5. Increased participation in the labour force, with more women taking up secondary occupations in treatment areas.

These outcomes demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in driving financial independence and reducing poverty among rural women.

Achievements OF SHGs nationwide

As of October 2024, the DAY-NRLM has mobilized 10.05 crore women into 90.87 lakh SHGs across India. The SHGs receive benefits such as:

1. Revolving Fund: Initial capital to help SHGs establish economic activities.
2. Community Investment Fund: Larger grants to scale up operations.
3. Bank Linkages: Facilitating access to credit for SHGs.
4. These interventions have enabled SHG members to engage in diverse income-generating activities, from agriculture and animal husbandry to small-scale enterprises.

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Future plans

The government is committed to expanding the coverage of DAY-NRLM, aiming to include more SHGs and increase the number of women achieving financial independence. The NaMo Drone Didi Scheme is also set to be expanded, ensuring that all Northeastern states benefit from technological advancements in agriculture.

A catalyst for change in the Northeast

The Lakhpati Didi initiative and NaMo Drone Didi Scheme are not just empowering women but also transforming the socio-economic standards of Northeast India. By fostering financial independence, promoting modern agricultural practices and reducing poverty, these programs are laying the foundation for sustainable development in one of India’s most remote and underserved regions.

With the continued support of the government and active participation of SHG members, these initiatives are expected to create a ripple effect, benefiting generations to come and making Northeast India a model for rural empowerment and inclusive growth.

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