‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme

Published: 9th Feb, 2024

Context

In the interim budget, the government has announced to enhance the target of 'Lakhpati Didi' Scheme.

What is ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative?

In 2023, the government announced the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme to provide skill development training to 20 million women in villages across the country.

The term 'Lakhpati Didis' refers to women members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) who harness their entrepreneurial skills and earn a sustainable income of at least Rs 1 lakh per year per household.

Under this scheme, the women would be trained in skills like plumbing, LED bulb making and operating and repairing drones.

Assessing the success

The Lakhpati Didi Scheme, aiming to empower two crore women in villages, has achieved notable success by reaching 83 lakh self-help groups and benefiting 9 crore women.

According to the World Bank, only 20.5% of women in India participated in the labor force in 2019, compared to 76.1% of men. Moreover, the gender gap in literacy rate was 14.4% in 2018, with 74.4% of men and 60% of women being literate.

With a financial injection of ?1 lakh per household for one crore beneficiaries, this initiative is poised to significantly uplift the economic status of rural women.
This empowerment will:
- stimulate the rural economy
- enhance credit demand for micro-financiers, particularly from women and self-help groups
- reduce stress on asset quality issues

Other announcements in the Budget

Empowering Women (Triple Talaq Ban and Legislative Representation): The government’s commitment to women’s empowerment is highlighted by making Triple Talaq illegal and reserving one-third of legislative seats for women.
Health Sector: The interim Budget announced the government’s plans to focus on vaccination against cervical cancer for girls aged 9 to 14.
Other health-related schemes in her speech, including:
- The U-WIN platform for managing immunisations will be rolled out in the country.
- Extension of Ayushman Bharat coverage: The government will extend Ayushman Bharat cover to all Asha workers and Anganwadi workers and helpers.
- Expansion of medical colleges: The government will focus on setting up more medical colleges by utilising existing hospital infrastructure in the country.
- Umbrella scheme: Schemes under maternal and child health care will be brought under one comprehensive programme.
- An upgradation has also been announced of Anganwadi centres and expedited nutrition delivery and other steps for early childhood care.

CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC IAS

‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme