Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday said that the Lakhpati Didi Yojana has paved the way for women to earn an annual income of over Rs one lakh.
Speaking at the National Lakhpati Didi Conference-2025 in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said this initiative is not just about income generation but aims to provide financial independence to women and foster leadership qualities among them in rural areas.
The event, organised by the Mission Shakti Department at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre, saw participation from Lakhpati Didis and government officials from 25 states and Union Territories of the country, an official said.
The Chief Minister said this conference is not merely a celebration of achievements but a testament to our commitment to women’s leadership. The strength and efforts of women fortify the future of families and the nation. “The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is not just a welfare scheme; it is a strategy for inclusive and sustainable development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken numerous steps to ensure women’s political, social, and economic independence,” he said.
Noting that the Subhadra Shakti Café has been launched as a new livelihood model, enabling SHG women to operate large-scale cafés, Majhi said the dedication and hard work of women are now entering international markets through their businesses.
Stressing that the government is committed to providing the right environment, support, and resources for the development of every woman in Odisha, the CM said efforts are ongoing to promote women as entrepreneurs and leaders. The goal is to transform the Lakhpati Didi initiative into a movement for enhancing women’s dignity, self-reliance, and leadership.
During the event, Lakhpati Didis Bindhyabashini from Rayagada district and Shobha Digambar Kadam from Maharashtra shared their experiences and success stories.
The Chief Minister felicitated outstanding Lakhpati Didis, including Shakuntala Dhal from Deogarh district, Sulami Dalabehera from Gajapati, and Mamata Nath Sharma from Kendrapada district.
Nayagarh district, which achieved 98% Lakhpati Didi creation, was awarded first place, while Kendrapada, Cuttack, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur districts, with 97% Lakhpati Didi creation, were recognised for securing second place.
This apart, Debi Prasad Nayak from the Odisha Livelihood Mission, Bhubaneswar, was honoured as the best state-level official.
During the programme, the Chief Minister launched a video on Lakhpati Didis, a coffee table book, and a booklet.
In her address, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Women and Child Development Pravati Parida said the Lakhpati Didi Yojana is not just a programme but a movement. It has brought women out of the confines of their homes and integrated them into the mainstream of development. Odisha has consistently held the top position in creating Lakhpati Didis, which is a significant achievement, she said.
Rural women are showcasing their expertise in various fields, including agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring, and café management. Through this program, rural women are not only earning for themselves but also setting examples for others.
She expressed confidence that empowered women will play a key role in building a developed India and a prosperous Odisha in the future.
