Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as the No. 1 state in India under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ intiative, the Indian government’s flagship programme that empowers rural women to earn Rs 1 lakh or more annually through sustainable livelihoods.
As of April 13, 2025, Odisha has created 14,41,074 Lakhpati Didis, thereby surpassing all other states and achieving 82% of its 17.59 lakh potential identified lakhpatis.
Lakhpati Didi initiative has been implemented in the state by the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM), under the Department of Mission Shakti, and aligned with the objectives of the Central government-sponsored National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). Through a mission-mode approach, the state has forged a powerful model of decentralised planning, local leadership, and structured livelihood support.
The mission to transform and energise rural economy started at the grassroots, with a door-to-door identification campaign to find Potential Lakhpati Didis (PLDs). Community Support Staff (CSS), SHG leaders, and OLM officials carried out household surveys through which they mapped income levels, skills and aspirations.
After PLDs were identified, they were trained, encouraged and mentored.
Individual Business Development Plans (BDPs) were created for each PLD, offering them pathways to expand or diversify their existing economic activities based on their environment and capacity.
To ensure this plan materialised, onsite training sessions in every corner of rural Odisha were organised. Master trainers supported women in acquiring technical and entrepreneurial skills, be it tailoring, mushroom cultivation, livestock farming, or food processing.
The training was customised, practical and empowering, turning traditional knowledge into business strategy.
The Revolving Fund (RF) was increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 by the current state government, while Community Investment Fund (CIF) was enhanced from Rs 35 lakh to Rs 60 lakh.
Many eligible beneficiaries also got Subhdra benefits, which helped boost their self-confidence.
The government also offered zero-interest loans up to Rs 10 lakh for prompt repayment, easing the burden of credit for rural entrepreneurs which enabled Women SHGs to start or expand their small enterprises.
