image credits: Jagdish Biswal
Odisha ranked second in India for women earning over ₹1 lakh annually through the transformative ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative. With over 10 lakh women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) achieving this financial benchmark, the state’s journey is a powerful narrative of growth, and aspiration.
A Framework for Prosperity Through ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Initiative
The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, an outcome of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), seeks to elevate SHG members into earning a sustainable annual income of ₹1 lakh or more. In Odisha, this vision has flourished, with more than 9.36 lakh women already crossing this threshold by early 2025, and the state surpassing the 10-lakh mark soon after. This success is driven by a range of targeted programmes that blend skill development, financial support, and market access, tailored to the diverse needs of Odisha’s women.
Key Programmes Powering Odisha’s ‘Lakhpati Didis’
- Micro Enterprise Development (MED): This programme nurtures small-scale businesses among SHG members, particularly in non-farm sectors. Women receive training, capacity building, and exposure to successful livelihood models, enabling them to establish ventures like handicraft units or food processing enterprises. In Odisha, MED has empowered women to turn traditional skills, such as crafting palm leaf products or appliqué work into profitable businesses.
- Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP): SVEP supports SHG members and their families in setting up small enterprises by providing training, mentorship, and financial assistance through the Community Enterprise Fund (CEF). In rural Odisha, this has spurred ventures like poultry farming and retail shops, with Community Resource Persons offering hands-on guidance to ensure sustainability.
- One Stop Facility (OSF): Operating as block-level business incubation centers, OSF provides comprehensive support to at least 150 nano-enterprises per block. With financing up to ₹2.5 lakh for individuals and ₹5 lakh for groups, this programme has enabled Odisha’s women to scale ventures in sectors like dairy and agro processing, bolstered by bank loans and SHG credit.
- Integrated Farming Clusters (IFC): Focused on agriculture and allied activities, IFC promotes sustainable farming practices among SHG members. In Odisha, women have adopted organic farming and horticulture, enhancing their income through value-added produce. Training in modern techniques has further strengthened their contribution to the state’s agrarian economy.
- Producer Groups/Enterprises (PG/PE): This programme organizes women into collectives to enhance production and market reach. In Odisha, tribal women in districts like Koraput have formed groups to cultivate and sell high-value crops, while others in coastal areas produce and market seafood products, amplifying their earnings through collective strength.
Odisha’s Women Turning Architects of Change
The women of Odisha, from the weaving communities of Sambalpur to the farming households of Ganjam, are the driving force behind this success. Through SHGs, they have accessed loans exceeding ₹4.85 lakh crore nationwide under DAY-NRLM, with Odisha’s women leveraging these funds to invest in diverse livelihoods. Programmes like SVEP and MED have equipped them with skills in plumbing, LED bulb making, and even drone operation. Such modern trades complement traditional occupations like handloom weaving and fishery.
The state’s robust SHG network, encompassing over 70 lakh women, has been pivotal. Supported by initiatives like the Subhadra Yojana, which offers ₹50,000 over five years, these women are not only achieving financial independence but also uplifting their families and communities.
A Collaborative Win for Women of Odisha
Odisha’s second-place ranking is a result of seamless collaboration between the state government, SHGs, and private stakeholders. The Mission Shakti programme, a state-led effort, has organized over 7 lakh women into SHGs, providing a strong foundation for ‘Lakhpati Didi.’ Market linkages through e-commerce platforms and local trade networks ensure fair returns. The state has planned to create 25 lakhs ‘Lakhpati Didis’ by 2027.
