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3.24 Lakh 'Lakhpati Didis' Transforming Rural Economy in Punjab

Over 3.24 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis' are playing a crucial role in improving Punjab's rural economy, says BJP Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu. He announced setting up a skill training centre near Chandigarh from his MPLAD fund to empower women. Sandhu highlighted that Punjab accounts for 324,811 of the 2.9 crore Lakhpati Didis nationwide and 57 SHGs with drone pilots under the 'Namo Drone Didi' scheme. The initiatives provide skill training, financial literacy, and credit support to foster entrepreneurship among rural women.

Key Points: 3.24 Lakh Lakhpati Didis Boost Punjab Rural Economy

  • 3.24 lakh Lakhpati Didis boost Punjab rural economy
  • MP Sandhu announces skill training centre from MPLAD fund
  • Punjab has 57 SHGs with women trained as drone pilots
  • Centre aims to create 6 crore Lakhpati Didis nationwide
2 min read

3.24 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis' playing crucial role, says Punjab's MP Sandhu

BJP MP Satnam Singh Sandhu announces skill training centre near Chandigarh, lauds 3.24 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis' and 'Drone Didis' empowering women in Punjab's rural economy.

"Out of the 2.9 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' from across the country, 324,811 were from Punjab. - Satnam Singh Sandhu"

Chandigarh, April 27

Over 3.24 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis' have been playing a crucial role in improving the rural economy of Punjab, said BJP's Rajya Sabha member Satnam Singh Sandhu while announcing setting up a skill training centre near Chandigarh from his MPLAD fund.

Interacting with over 1,200 women from villages at a function organised by BJP leader and former Punjab Agro Industries vice-chairman Manpreet Singh Bunny Sandhu in Dera Bassi town, the Rajya Sabha member stressed the need for setting up a skill training centre for women from surrounding villages. He asked Bunny Sandhu to search for suitable land for establishing the centre and asserted that he would approach the central government for funds and also contribute from his MPLAD fund.

BJP's district in-charge Jagdeep Singh Aujala was also present on the occasion.

Lauding the contribution of the Union government's initiatives, such as 'Lakhpati Didis' and 'Drone Didis' to empower the women, Sandhu spoke about the role of the women during the freedom struggle and also in developing the country's economy post-Independence.

He said out of the 2.9 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' from across the country, 324,811 were from Punjab. Similarly, Punjab accounts for 57 self-help groups (SHGs), with an equal number of women members trained as drone pilots, reflecting the state's contribution to technology-driven livelihood initiatives.

The Union Rural Development Ministry's 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme empowers women in SHGs to earn a sustainable annual household income of Rs 1 lakh or more. Aimed at creating six crore 'Lakhpati Didis', it offers skill training, financial literacy, and credit support to foster entrepreneurship, allowing women to lift their families out of poverty.

On the other hand, the 'Namo Drone Didi' scheme launched by the Centre provides drones to 15,000 women SHGs with an outlay of Rs 1,261 crore. It aims to empower rural women by training them as drone pilots to provide agricultural services, such as fertiliser and pesticide spraying, to local farmers.

Sandhu said that the two initiatives have transformed lives in Punjab by making women financially independent, thus enhancing their social standing.

On the occasion, various stalls were set up by SHG women in Dera Bassi and Lalru, showcasing Punjab-specific products rooted in local traditions and artisanal skills, including phulkari, suits, juttis, honey, pickles, squash, vinegar, oils, masalas, papad, soaps and candles.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

V
Vikram M
While these schemes sound promising, I worry about implementation. 3.24 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis' in Punjab is a good number, but is the income sustainable without constant government support? I hope the skill training centre teaches women skills that the market actually demands, not just traditional crafts. Otherwise, it's just another photo-op for politicians. 🤔
A
Ananya R
The 'Drone Didi' scheme is fascinating! Women trained as drone pilots for agriculture - that's real empowerment. My aunt in Malwa district told me how she learned to operate a drone through a government program and now charges farmers for spraying pesticides. She earns Rs 500 per acre and feels like a boss. Technology is truly bridging the gender gap in rural India. 🚁💪
R
Rohit P
It's good that women are getting opportunities, but why is a BJP politician announcing this? Punjab already has a government. These central schemes often bypass state machinery. Also, 57 SHGs for drone training in Punjab seems low for a state with so many farmers. I hope the centre is established quickly and actually benefits women, not just party workers. All parties should support this, not make it political.
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Sneha F
I visited the exhibition stalls mentioned in the article - the phulkari work, honey, and pickles were amazing! These women are not just earning but preserving our Punjabi heritage. If the government can provide better marketing support and connect them with buyers in cities, this could become a huge movement. Every Didi I met was so proud and confident. That's the real change. 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V

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