Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacted with a group of 300 Lakhpati Didis from Self-Help Groups (SHG) those will participate in the 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path as Special Guests. He applauded the efforts of SHG women to realise the Prime Minister’s vision of Lakhpati Didis. He said that Lakhpati Didis will not stop here, but will become Crorepati and Arabpati soon. He emphasised that one becomes what one thinks and how one acts. He opened the house to all the Didis seeking suggestions for the way ahead. Didis emphasised on online marketing platform for interstate trade, removing the middlemen; importance of insurance, organic farming and peer learning among SHG Didis. 

Shri Chouhan thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership, showing the way ahead for socioeconomic empowerment of women. He appreciated the work done by DAY-NRLM for the Lakhpati Didi mission, wherein each SHG household is encouraged to take up multiple livelihood activities coupled with value chain interventions, building higher order enterprises resulting in a sustainable income of one lakh rupees and above every year. He re-emphasised the goal of Garibi-mukt Gaon. Union Minister requested all Lakhpati Didis to make every women around them into a Lakhpati. Shri Chouhan insisted on adopting a whole-of-government approach through convergence for maximum impact and transforming the rural economy by enabling Lakhpati Didis.

On the eve of Republic Day, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said that  Prime Minister’s dream of ‘Viksit Bharat’ has now become a reality. He also shared an inspiring story of Rajeshwari Didi from Anantpur District, who started a small millet roti making business by taking a loan from the SHG. Today, she earns ₹ 9 lakh per year and is generating employment for others too. He reaffirmed the message that women empowerment is an essential prerequisite for a self-made Bharat. He stated that SHG women under DAY-NRLM are moving from SHG to CEO, donning the role of entrepreneurs, making their own way and are contributing to the development of the nation.

On this occasion, welcoming the participants, the Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh praised SHG members working on different fields like Krishi Sakhi, Bank Sakhi, Gender Sakhi and assured full support by the Ministry in future endeavours of Didis. Today, more than 10 crore rural women have been mobilised into 91.8 lakh SHGs. Together, these groups have mobilized savings deposits amounting to 60 thousand crore rupees, demonstrating remarkable financial discipline and reliability by keeping non-performing assets to 1.65% and are putting in efforts to bring even this down. 

Marking the strength of women-led development strategies, a group of 300 Lakhpati Didis from Self-Help Groups (SHG) under the aegis of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) will participate in the 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path as Special Guests. They will showcase the inclusive and resilient spirit of communities and villages that make India a robust republic nation. These 300 Didis and their spouses have been invited as special guests to this year’s Republic Day celebrations.

Lakhpati Didis have showcased determination and strong resolve to overcome all obstacles and achieve a dignified life. Their presence would highlight the power of women-led institutions to bring out the essence of socio-economic empowerment and the holistic well-being of rural communities. Their presence would mark a spectacular confluence at the Kartavya Path and ensure widespread participation by people from different strata of society who are committed to commemorating our national festival.

The Lakhpati Didis interacted with the Ministers and shared their stories of change and transformation through DAY-NRLM interventions. They also mentioned their dream of going beyond the Lakhpati goal and shared their vision of contributing to the country's socio-economic development. The Ministers appreciated the notable contributions made by SHG women and commended them for their sheer determination, commitment, and active participation in accelerating the journey of achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat.

During the day, the Special Guests visited the iconic Qutub Minar and were enthralled by the historical information relating to the monument.

Earlier this week, on January 22nd, the Ministry of Rural Development also launched its tableau on the theme of ‘Lakhpati Didi’, which will be part of the Republic Day parade this year. It will showcase women’s economic empowerment through the lens of entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and education, along with a banner reading ‘Empowered Women, Prosperous Families, Stronger Nation’. The parade will mark a fitting conclusion to the Special Guests’ visit to Delhi.

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MG/KSR