In MP's Neemuch, over 3,800 women join 'lakhpati didis' league
New Delhi, Aug 4
The Lakhpati Didi scheme, operating under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission to help women in Self-Help Groups is yielding significant results in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch, as many are becoming part of the welfare scheme.
Many women, who joined the SHGs have engaged themselves in wide range of ventures, ranging from grocery and general stores to flour mills, poultry farms, RO plants, 'Didi Cafes', and fair-price shops.
According to official estimates, about 3,850 women have become latest members of the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative.
Lakhpati Didi initiative is a central scheme, being implemented in the states and Union Territories with the objective to improving the livelihoods of poor rural households.
It focusses on individual SHG women and empowers them by engaging them with SHGs, village Organisations (VOs) and other institutions.
As more and more women in Neemuch take the path to self-reliance, the success stories are unfolding for all to see, as they take to various ventures and turn them into source of livelihood.
Rajendra Kumar Chauhan, Development Block Manager of Neemuch said, "So far, 1,287 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), 118 Village Organisations, and 12 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) have been formed in the Neemuch development block. Through bank linkages, these groups have been provided loans of Rs 1.50 lakh in the first phase, Rs 3 lakh in the second phase, and up to Rs 6 lakh in the third phase. Additionally, support is being extended to these groups through the Revolving Fund (RF) and Community Investment Fund (CIF) to help them initiate economic activities."
He also added that when the benefits of government schemes reach women, the impact extends beyond mere financial aid, it becomes a catalyst for transforming the economic landscape of their families and society.
Krishna Keer from Ugran village shared that after joining the 'Jai Bhawani Self-Help Group' in 2021, she received financial assistance which enabled her to open a general merchandise shop.
She began stocking the shop with items such as sarees, children's ready-made clothing, general store goods, and footwear.
In 2023, she was given the opportunity to operate a PDS (Public Distribution System) shop. Today, the income generated from both the shop and the PDS outlet has completely transformed her financial situation.
From being a homemaker, she is earning in thousands every month. She encourages more women to join Self-Help Groups and avail themselves of the benefits offered by these schemes.
Annu Bairwa from Dunglawada village told IANS that she began her journey by joining the Shri Ganesh Self-Help Group.
Under the Cash Credit Limit (CCL) scheme, she received loans of Rs 1.50 lakh, followed by Rs 3 lakh, and subsequently Rs 6 lakh.
With this financial support, she started a grocery store and improved her family's financial standing.
By saving from her earnings, Annu also helped her husband set up a welding and lathe machine business. Today, the couple works together to increase the family income and provide a better education for their children.
Sharda Bai from Changera village said that she is a member of the Jai Maa Vaishnavi Self-Help Group. She started a small shop using a loan obtained from the group and from being a homemaker, she has now become a job-giver.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Wonderful initiative! But I hope the government ensures these women get proper training and market access too. Financial help alone won't sustain their businesses in the long run. They need digital literacy, accounting skills, and better supply chain support. Just a thought... 🤔
Great to see women from small villages like Changera and Ugran becoming entrepreneurs! The idea of SHGs is old but the scale of this is impressive. Govts come and go but such sustainable development programs can truly change rural India. Proved again - when women earn, the whole family benefits.
The story of Annu Bairwa and her husband working together is so inspiring! 💪 She not only started a grocery store but also helped her husband set up a welding business. This is real partnership and empowerment. I hope more women in our country come forward to avail such schemes.
While this is good news, I wonder about the implementation across other districts. The numbers from Neemuch are encouraging, but is the scheme reaching the most backward blocks? The real test will be in scaling this up and ensuring no woman is left behind due to bureaucracy.
This is what "women-led development" actually means! Not just slogans in rallies but real work on ground. From grocery shops to flour mills and RO plants - these women are doing everything! 🇮🇳 Proud of our Nari Shakti!
I've seen SHGs work wonders in my own village in Karnataka. The key is the kind of bank linkage mentioned here - starting with Rs 1.5 lakh and going up to
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