Govt Sets War-Footing Plan to Create 6 Crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’

To meet the ambitious goal, Shri Chouhan emphasised that at least 10 crore women must be connected to financial inclusion initiatives under the Ministry of Rural Development.

Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday directed officials to adopt a focused, war-footing strategy to achieve the revised target of creating 6 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY–NRLM).

Chairing a high-level review meeting at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, the Minister sought a detailed progress update and expressed satisfaction with the mission’s performance, while calling for accelerated implementation and stronger state coordination.

Target: 10 Crore Women in Financial Inclusion Net

To meet the ambitious goal, Shri Chouhan emphasised that at least 10 crore women must be connected to financial inclusion initiatives under the Ministry of Rural Development.

He instructed officials to prepare a concrete, time-bound action plan in coordination with state governments to ensure smooth and effective implementation.

“Financial inclusion is the backbone of women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihoods in rural India,” the Minister said, stressing the importance of expanding access to:

• Bank linkages and institutional credit

• Insurance coverage

• Financial literacy programmes

• Formal financial systems

₹1.5 Lakh Crore Credit Support Extended

Officials informed the Minister that the mission has facilitated approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore in financial assistance through bank linkage programmes, enabling Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and members to expand livelihood activities.

In addition:

• Nearly 5 crore individuals have been connected to financial literacy initiatives.

• Around 7 crore people have received insurance benefits under social security schemes.

These efforts have strengthened income generation and economic resilience among rural households.

Focus on Effective Fund Utilisation

Shri Chouhan directed that allocated funds under the mission must be optimally utilised. States with below-par performance or underutilisation of funds should receive guidance, handholding and encouragement to improve delivery outcomes.

He stressed that close monitoring and sustained engagement with states are essential to ensure that the scheme’s benefits reach the maximum number of SHGs and ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

Four Pillars of DAY–NRLM

The DAY–NRLM operates through four core components:

1. Institutional building and capacity development

2. Social inclusion and social development

3. Financial inclusion

4. Livelihood promotion

Together, these components aim to build strong community institutions, promote inclusive growth and expand income-generating opportunities in rural India.

Beyond Numbers: Sustainable Empowerment

The Minister reiterated that the mission’s success should not be measured solely by numerical targets, but by long-term economic empowerment and improved quality of life for rural women and their families.

He said that transforming SHG members into financially independent and self-reliant entrepreneurs will contribute significantly to building an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) rural economy.

“With focused implementation, close monitoring and strong coordination with states, the mission can play a decisive role in creating millions of ‘Lakhpati Didis’,” he said.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to accelerating progress under DAY–NRLM, ensuring that rural women emerge not just as income earners but as confident, empowered contributors to India’s development journey.