PM Modi Engages with Lakhpati Didis in Jalgaon, Announces Massive Financial Support for Self-Help Groups
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/25th August 2024
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jalgaon in Maharashtra to interact with the ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ a group of women from self-help groups (SHGs) who earn an annual income of ₹1 lakh. The event celebrated the achievement of 11 lakh women who have reached this milestone during the third term of Modi’s government.
At the gathering, Modi was greeted by a group of enthusiastic women and engaged with members of various self-help groups. These groups are involved in diverse sectors, including livestock management and government schemes such as ‘Krishi Sakhi’ and ‘NAMO Drone Didi,’ according to officials. These schemes are integral in providing skills and creating local employment opportunities in rural areas.
During the event, Modi announced significant financial measures to further support these self-help groups. A key highlight was the release of a revolving fund amounting to ₹2,500 crore. This fund is designed to assist approximately 48 lakh members from 4.3 lakh SHGs. In addition, Modi declared the disbursement of bank loans totaling ₹5,000 crore, which will benefit 25.8 lakh members across 2.35 lakh SHGs.
The scheme, which aims to elevate women to the status of Lakhpati Didis, has already seen over one crore women join its ranks. The government has set an ambitious goal to expand this number to 3 crore Lakhpati Didis, underscoring its commitment to empowering women through financial independence and skill development.
This substantial financial support is expected to bolster the capabilities of self-help groups, enabling them to enhance their economic activities and contribute more effectively to their local communities. The revolving fund and loan disbursements are part of a broader initiative to strengthen rural economies and promote sustainable development through grassroots-level entrepreneurship.
Modi’s visit and the accompanying announcements highlight the government’s focus on empowering women and improving rural livelihoods. By supporting self-help groups with financial resources and facilitating access to loans, the government aims to create a more robust support system for women entrepreneurs and workers in rural India.
The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of enhancing financial inclusion and encouraging self-sufficiency among women. Through these efforts, the government hopes to drive economic growth from the ground up and ensure that more women can achieve financial stability and contribute to their communities’ development.
As the program progresses, it will be monitored closely to assess its impact on the targeted beneficiaries and the broader rural economy. The success of these measures will be critical in determining the effectiveness of the government’s approach to fostering economic empowerment and promoting inclusive growth across India.
