Bhubaneswar, Apr 16: Odisha has emerged as a trailblazer in empowering rural women through the transformative "Lakhpati Didi" initiative.

This programme, aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods to women, has enabled over 14 lakh women in Odisha, out of identified 17.59 lakh women as Probable Lakhpati Didis (PLD) until April 13 this year, to achieve an annual income of ₹1 lakh or more, surpassing the approved target by 82%. The initiative is implemented under the Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) and aligns with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).

The programme began with grassroots identification campaigns, where community support staff and self-help group leaders conducted door-to-door surveys to identify potential beneficiaries.

Women were not only identified but also trained and supported with necessary resources to enhance their skills and economic independence. Individual Business Development Plans (BDPs) were created for each beneficiary, tailored to their local environment and capabilities.

Odisha's government organised localised training sessions across the state, focusing on vocational and entrepreneurial skills such as tailoring, mushroom cultivation, livestock rearing, and food processing. These efforts have transformed traditional knowledge into practical business opportunities, creating a robust model for rural empowerment.

The initiative also increased the revolving fund from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 and the Community Investment Fund from ₹35 lakh to ₹60 lakh, enabling self-help groups to invest in better tools, expand operations, and fulfill larger orders. Additionally, interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh have been provided to support micro-enterprises.

Odisha's success in the "Lakhpati Didi" initiative stands as a testament to the power of community-driven development and the state's commitment to uplifting rural women.

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