Key Points

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the ambitious Lakhpati Didi initiative to support women from Self-Help Groups. The program distributed financial assistance to 7,474 SHG members to help them achieve sustainable annual incomes. Beneficiaries like Purnima Das are using the funds to expand their tailoring businesses and create local employment opportunities. The initiative combines financial support with skill development and entrepreneurial guidance for long-term success.

Key Points: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Launches Lakhpati Didi Women Empowerment

  • CM distributes cheques to 7474 SHG members for economic independence
  • Women entrepreneurs expand tailoring and dairy businesses with govt support
  • Initiative combines financial aid with skill development and entrepreneurial guidance
  • Program aims for sustainable annual household income of Rs 1 lakh
2 min read

Meet Assam's new entrepreneurs: 'Lakhpati Didis' rise with govt support

Assam CM Himanta Sarma empowers 7,474 SHG women with financial aid under Lakhpati Didi initiative for sustainable income and entrepreneurship.

"This money is not just financial help, it's recognition. I feel supported - Purnima Das, beneficiary"

Guwahati, Sep 3

In a significant move towards women’s empowerment, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the ambitious ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative on Wednesday. The programme, part of a nationwide push by the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to help women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) achieve a sustainable annual household income of Rs 1,00,000 or more.

At a special event held under the Ramsarani Anchalik Panchayat, the Chief Minister distributed cheques to 7,474 SHG members. The financial assistance paves the way for the journey towards economic independence for these women. Many of these women have already begun transforming their lives through small businesses and livelihood ventures.

Among the beneficiaries is Purnima Das, who runs a small tailoring business. Elated by the support, she shared her plans to expand her operations and hire local girls to work with her. “This money is not just financial help, it's recognition. I feel supported,” she said.

Another beneficiary, who has been running a dairy business, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to scale up her enterprise.

“I have cows and goats and sell milk in the nearby markets. With this new support, I will be able to buy more livestock and increase my income,” she said.

Her story reflects the core objective of the Lakhpati Didi initiative—enabling women to build sustainable sources of income. Another beneficiary expressed her happiness, saying that they are receiving loans for businesses such as farming, textiles, and purchasing sewing machines.

The initiative goes beyond financial assistance.

It combines skill development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial guidance to ensure long-term success. Women are encouraged to take up diverse livelihood activities -- ranging from agriculture and animal husbandry to crafts and small-scale manufacturing.

“A Lakhpati Didi is not just about earning a lakh rupees; it’s about building confidence, financial independence, and respect in the community,” said CM Sarma while addressing the gathering. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an ecosystem where women-led SHGs can thrive.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see rural women getting the support they deserve. My mother was part of an SHG in Kerala and it completely transformed our family's financial situation.
A
Aman W
While the initiative is good, I hope there's proper monitoring and follow-up. Many schemes fail because of poor implementation. The government must ensure continuous support.
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Nisha Z
As an Assamese woman, I'm so proud to see this happening in my state! Our women are incredibly hardworking and just need the right opportunities. Jai Axom! ❤️
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Michael C
The combination of financial assistance with skill development and mentorship is what makes this sustainable. Hope other states adopt this model.
S
Sneha F
Purnima Das's story is so inspiring! When women support women, amazing things happen. Hope she successfully expands her tailoring business and creates more employment.

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