In a groundbreaking initiative to empower rural women and boost entrepreneurship, the Government of India launched the Lakhpati Didi Yojana. This scheme enables eligible women to receive an interest-free loan of up to ₹5 lakh, helping them become financially independent and self-sustaining entrepreneurs. In this detailed guide, we outline every essential detail on how to apply, who is eligible, the benefits of the scheme, and how it can transform your life.
What is Lakhpati Didi Yojana?
The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is a flagship mission initiated under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). It aims to create economic self-reliance among rural women by providing access to capital, training, and government support.
The objective is to help women generate an annual income of at least ₹1 lakh through entrepreneurial activities, skill-building, and interest-free financial assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the vision of empowering at least 2 crore women under this scheme by the year 2025.
Key Features of the Scheme
Interest-Free Loan: Women are eligible for a loan of up to ₹5,00,000 without any interest burden.
Empowerment through SHGs: The scheme works closely with Self Help Groups (SHGs), fostering collective action and financial cooperation.
Income Goal: The program’s goal is to help each participant earn a minimum of ₹1 lakh annually.
Skill Development: Offers training in multiple trades such as tailoring, agriculture, food processing, plumbing, and even drone repair.
Government Backing: Supported by the Ministry of Rural Development, ensuring legitimacy and scalability.
Who Can Apply for Lakhpati Didi Yojana?
To qualify for this transformative program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Gender: Must be a woman.
Residence: Should be a resident of a rural area in India.
Membership: Must be a part of a registered Self Help Group (SHG).
Age Limit: Generally between 18 to 60 years.
Income Status: Preference is given to women from below poverty line (BPL) or economically weaker sections.
Willingness to Work: Must show intent to engage in income-generating activities.
List of Approved Activities Under the Scheme
Women can avail benefits under this scheme to initiate or scale a wide variety of economic ventures, including but not limited to:
Tailoring and Boutique Work
Agro-based Businesses like organic farming, dairy, poultry, fisheries
Beauty Parlour Setup
Food Processing and Homemade Snacks
Retail Shops or Kirana Stores
Handicrafts and Traditional Art
Mobile Repair or Electronic Servicing
Drone Maintenance and Usage (for agricultural applications)
Documents Required to Apply
Ensure you have the following documents before initiating the application:
Aadhar Card (Identity proof)
Residence Certificate
SHG Membership Certificate
Bank Passbook with Account Number
Passport Size Photographs
Income Certificate
Business Plan/Proposal
Mobile Number linked with Aadhar
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for ₹5 Lakh Loan under Lakhpati Didi Yojana
Step 1: Join or Form a Self Help Group (SHG)
First, make sure you’re an active member of a registered SHG. If you’re not already part of one, you can contact your nearest Panchayat Office or NRLM office to get guidance.
Step 2: Visit the Nearest Common Service Centre (CSC)
Go to your nearest CSC (Jan Seva Kendra) with all required documents.
Step 3: Fill in the Application Form
Ask for the Lakhpati Didi Yojana form and fill in all the necessary details accurately.
Provide supporting documents like ID proof, SHG details, and your business plan.
Step 4: Verification and Approval
Your application and documents will be verified by the Block Development Officer (BDO) or State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) officers.
The SHG may also be involved in assessing the viability of your proposal.
Step 5: Disbursal of Funds
Upon approval, the loan amount is transferred directly to your linked bank account.
No interest is charged, provided timely repayments are made under SHG norms.
Benefits of the Scheme
Financial Independence: Women no longer need to rely on private lenders with high interest rates.
Increased Household Income: Helps rural families break out of poverty through income diversification.
Skill Enhancement: Promotes education, awareness, and trade-specific training.
Women Empowerment: Creates leadership roles within SHGs and fosters decision-making abilities.
Social Upliftment: Helps reduce gender disparity and supports community development.
Real Success Stories
Numerous women across the country have already benefited from this program:
Meena Devi from Jharkhand opened her poultry farm and now earns over ₹1.5 lakh annually.
Shabnam Bano in Madhya Pradesh started a mobile repair service with the loan and now employs 4 other women.
Sunita Kumari used the funds to start a homemade pickle business, which has now scaled to online sales across states.
These success stories are a testament to the scheme’s potential to truly transform rural women into Lakhpati Didis.
Important Contacts and Helpline
Ministry of Rural Development: https://rural.nic.in
NRLM Official Portal: https://aajeevika.gov.in
Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-11-6446
CSC Locator: https://locator.csccloud.in/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is there any fee to apply?
A: No. The application process is completely free.
Q2: Is collateral needed?
A: No collateral is required as the loan is unsecured and backed by SHGs and the government.
Q3: What if I am not part of an SHG?
A: You must first join or form an SHG. Approach your local Panchayat or NGO working under NRLM.
Q4: Can this scheme be used in urban areas?
A: No, it is strictly for rural women.
Conclusion
The Lakhpati Didi Yojana stands as a revolutionary movement aimed at improving the socio-economic condition of women in rural India. Through interest-free loans, capacity building, and support networks, this scheme opens up new avenues of growth and self-reliance.
We strongly encourage eligible women to take full advantage of this opportunity and become part of the next generation of successful rural entrepreneurs.