Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, where he highlighted the significant role of women-led cooperatives in empowering rural women and creating a movement of “Lakhpati Didis” across India.
At the event, the Prime Minister awarded certificates to 11 lakh women who recently achieved the status of Lakhpati Didis, marking a major milestone in the third term of the current government. The Lakhpati Didi Yojana, initiated by the government, aims to uplift women by integrating them into the financial system through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperative networks.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the transformative impact of SHGs and cooperatives in rural economies. He announced the release of a Revolving Fund worth Rs 2,500 crore, benefiting approximately 48 lakh women from 4.3 lakh SHGs across the country.
In addition, bank loans amounting to Rs 5,000 crore were disbursed to 25.8 lakh women from 2.35 lakh SHGs. These financial initiatives are designed to empower women by providing them with the necessary resources to start and expand their businesses, thereby boosting household incomes and improving the standard of living in rural areas.
It is worth noting that the fertilizer cooperative IFFCO is providing training to women under the Namo Drone Didis initiative. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to PUSA, where he witnessed an agricultural drone demonstration, the Drone Didis from IFFCO’s Phulpur Unit simultaneously flew 100 drones. Similarly, in Motihari, Bihar, Chennai, and Tamil Nadu, the Drone Didis flew 104 and 20 drones during demonstrations.
IFFCO has also signed an agreement with Drone Destination to collaborate on drone spraying over an area of up to 30 lakh acres. Regarding this, IFFCO’s Managing Director tweeted earlier, “I am glad to share that IFFCO has delivered 300 Agriculture High-Tech Drones to 300 NaMo Drone Didis spread across the country.”
In addition, another fertilizer cooperative, Kribhco, is also empowering Namo Drone Didis. According to data from the Union Ministry of Cooperation, IFFCO and Kribhco have trained 371 and 70 women, respectively. These women are being trained under the government-backed ‘Drone Didi’ program.
In his address,the Prime Minister underscored that since the inception of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, over one crore women have been elevated to the status of Lakhpati Didis, with the government setting an ambitious target of reaching three crore women. This initiative is not only about increasing women’s income but also about enhancing their social standing and creating a ripple effect that benefits their families and communities.
Cooperatives and SHGs have played a crucial role in this empowerment journey. These organizations provide women with a platform to collaborate, share knowledge, and access financial services that were previously out of reach. Through collective efforts, women have been able to negotiate better prices for their products, gain access to markets, and invest in income-generating activities. The success of these women, known as Lakhpati Didis, is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of financial inclusion.
Prime Minister Modi praised the women of Maharashtra, highlighting their rich cultural heritage and their contributions to the state’s development. He recalled the historical role of women in Maharashtra, from Mata Jijabai, who shaped the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to Savitribai Phule, who championed the cause of education for girls. The Prime Minister emphasized that the courage and determination of Maharashtra’s women continue to inspire the nation.
Shri Modi pointed out that the Lakhpati Didi campaign is a vital component of the government’s broader strategy to transform rural India. By empowering women, the campaign strengthens families, boosts local economies, and lays the foundation for a more prosperous future. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that as more women become financially independent, they will play an increasingly important role in India’s development.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the reforms undertaken by his government to support women’s financial independence. He mentioned that many of the houses built under government schemes are registered in the names of women, and a significant portion of beneficiaries of financial programs like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana are women. These measures have helped women gain access to credit and other financial services, which are essential for starting and growing businesses.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering women through cooperative movements and financial inclusion. He highlighted the success of the Lakhpati Didi initiative as a shining example of how collective efforts can lead to significant social and economic change. The Prime Minister called on the women of Maharashtra and India to continue leading the way in this transformative journey, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for all.
