Lakhpati Didi Yojana — ₹1 Lakh Income for SHG Women

What is Lakhpati Didi Yojana?

Lakhpati Didi Yojana is a central government scheme launched in 2023–24 to help women members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) earn an annual income of ₹1 lakh or more. The scheme is part of the broader Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana — National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and targets 3 crore women across India to become "Lakhpati Didis" — women earning at least ₹1 lakh per year from livelihood activities.

The scheme focuses on skill development, entrepreneurship, and connecting SHG women to markets and income sources like drone operation (Drone Didi), LED bulb manufacturing, plumbing, and more.

Key Benefits

• Free skill training in income-generating trades (drone operation, plumbing, LED assembly, beekeeping, agri-tech, etc.)
• Access to credit — SHG and cluster-level federation loans at low interest rates
• Market linkage — help connecting to buyers, e-commerce, and government procurement (GeM portal)
• Drone Didi sub-scheme — selected women trained to operate agricultural drones and earn ₹15,000–₹20,000 per month
• Business support — guidance on starting and scaling micro-enterprises
• Government recognition as a Lakhpati Didi once income target is met

Who is Eligible?

• Women who are active members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM
• SHG must be linked to a village-level organization (VLO) or cluster-level federation (CLF)
• Currently earning less than ₹1 lakh per year (the scheme targets women who need to be uplifted to this income level)
• Priority for: women from SC/ST communities, widows, persons with disabilities, and those below poverty line

If you are not in an SHG: You can join an existing SHG in your village or form a new one (minimum 10–15 women) and apply under NRLM to become eligible.

How to Apply — Step by Step

There is no separate online application form for Lakhpati Didi. Beneficiaries are identified and enrolled through the existing NRLM/DAY-NRLM infrastructure:

1. Join an SHG: If not already a member, join a Self Help Group in your village (contact your local Anganwadi worker, Panchayat, or Block Development Office)
2. SHG must be NRLM-linked: Your SHG must be enrolled under DAY-NRLM and actively saving and conducting weekly/monthly meetings
3. Livelihood assessment: A field officer from the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) assesses your current income and identifies suitable livelihood opportunities
4. Training enrollment: You are enrolled in skill training for the identified trade (drone operation, plumbing, food processing, etc.)
5. Credit linkage: Your SHG applies for a bank loan (SHG-BLP) for income-generating activities
6. Market linkage: NRLM helps connect your products/services to buyers
7. Income tracking: Your annual income is tracked. Once you cross ₹1 lakh/year, you are formally recognized as a Lakhpati Didi

Drone Didi — Special Sub-Scheme

Under the Drone Didi sub-component:

• 15,000 women across India are being trained to operate agricultural drones
• Training is free — 15-day course covering drone operation, maintenance, and safety
• After training, the women provide drone spraying services to farmers at a fee
• Estimated earning: ₹15,000–₹20,000 per month (₹1.8–₹2.4 lakh per year)
• Eligible: SHG women aged 18–45 with at least Class 10 pass

To apply for Drone Didi training, contact your Block Development Office or State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) office.

How to Contact and Track Progress

1. Visit your Block Development Office (BDO) or Panchayat office to inquire about SHG membership
2. Contact your State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) office:
   • Karnataka: KSRLM — Jeevika office
   • Maharashtra: MSRLM — Umed
   • Rajasthan: RGAVP / RAJSRLM
   • UP: UPSRLM
   • Bihar: BRLPS — JEEViKA
3. Visit aajeevika.gov.in for state-wise SRLM contacts
4. Call the NRLM helpline: 1800-180-6127 (toll-free)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can urban women apply for Lakhpati Didi?

Lakhpati Didi is primarily under DAY-NRLM which is for rural areas. Urban women SHG members are covered under DAY-NULM (National Urban Livelihoods Mission) with similar benefits. Contact your city's Urban Local Body (ULB) for information.

What is the income target?

The target is ₹1 lakh per year (approximately ₹8,333 per month) from livelihood activities. This should be from the women's own work, enterprise, or services — not from family income.

What kinds of skills are taught?

Based on local demand and the woman's aptitude: drone operation (Drone Didi), plumbing and sanitation, LED bulb assembly, solar panel servicing, beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, organic farming, handicrafts, garment making, food processing, and more.

How much loan can SHG women get?

SHGs can get bank loans from ₹1 lakh (first cycle) up to ₹10 lakh and beyond (later cycles) at subsidised interest rates under SHG-Bank Linkage Program. Individual Lakhpati Didi members can also get micro-enterprise loans.

Is there cash transfer or stipend?

There is no direct cash transfer to individuals under Lakhpati Didi. Benefits are in the form of free training, credit at low interest, market support, and government procurement preference.

What is the government target?

The government aims to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2025. Progress is tracked at district and state levels. As of 2024, over 1 crore women have crossed the ₹1 lakh annual income threshold.

Official Links

• NRLM portal: aajeevika.gov.in
• Drone Didi: contact your SRLM or BDO office
• Scheme details: myscheme.gov.in
• Helpline: 1800-180-6127 (NRLM toll-free)