Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today lauded the ‘Lakhpati Didi Yojana’ as a cornerstone of women’s financial independence and rural leadership, declaring that the state has emerged as the national leader in creating ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (women earning over Rs 1 lakh annually). The Chief Minister’s remarks came during the National Lakhpati Didi Conference-2025, held at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Center.
The prestigious conference, organized by the Mission Shakti Department, brought together ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and government officials from 25 states and Union Territories, celebrating the scheme’s widespread impact. Secretary Mission Sakti Shalini Pandit showed around the exhibition organized by SHG Women Group to Chief Minister.
Underlining the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Shri Majhi emphasized that the ‘Lakhpati Didi Yojana’ transcends mere employment, aiming to imbue rural women with financial autonomy and leadership qualities. “Today’s conference is not just a celebration of achievements for us, but it is our commitment to women’s leadership,” he stated. “The strength and initiative of women strengthen the future of the family and the country. The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is not just a welfare scheme; it is a strategy for inclusive and sustainable development.”
The Chief Minister highlighted the broader national efforts towards women’s empowerment, including the passage of the Nari Shakti Bandhan Act, which ensures at least 33 percent representation for women in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies in upcoming elections.
Shri Majhi proudly announced Odisha’s significant achievement: “Around 17 lakh women in Odisha have become Lakhpati Didi, and today Odisha has secured the first place in India.” He attributed this success to the robust development of Self-Help Group (SHG) women, the dedication of Mission Shakti and Odisha Livelihood Mission, and efficient grassroots implementation.
Detailing the state’s supportive measures, the Chief Minister pointed out that Odisha provides interest-free loans of up to Rs 10 lakh to all SHG women. The Revolving Fund assistance has been increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000, and the Community Investment Fund from Rs 35 lakh to Rs 60 lakh. These financial boosts, he noted, empower SHG members to confidently expand their businesses and livelihoods. Initiatives like the Subhadra Shakti Mela enable SHG women to conduct significant business, while Subhadra Shakti Cafes are emerging as new livelihood models, with women successfully operating large cafes. “The determination and hard work of our women are now entering the international market through business,” he added.
“Our government is committed to providing the right environment, support, and tools for the development of every woman in Odisha,” Chief Minister Majhi affirmed. “Our aim is not only to make Lakhpati Didi a livelihood for women but to make it a movement for women’s dignity, self-reliance, and leadership.”
During the event, Smt. Vindhyabashini from Rayagada district, Odisha, and Smt. Shobha Digambara Kadam from Maharashtra, shared their inspiring success stories as ‘Lakhpati Didis’.
The Chief Minister also recognized outstanding achievements, awarding Shakuntala Dhal of Deogarh, Sulami Dalabehera of Gajapati, and Mamata Nath Sharma of Kendrapara as the best ‘Lakhpati Didis’. Nayagarh district received top honors for achieving 98 percent ‘Lakhpati Didi’ creation, while Kendrapara, Cuttack, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur districts secured second place with 97 percent. Debi Prasad Nayak of Odisha Livelihood Mission, Bhubaneswar, was recognized as the best state-level officer.
The Chief Minister concluded by releasing a video, a coffee table book, and a booklet based on the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, showcasing its impact and success stories.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development, Parvati Parida, hailed the scheme as a “movement that takes women out of the four walls of the house and connects them to the development stream.” She reiterated Odisha’s consistent top ranking in ‘Lakhpati Didi’ creation, highlighting how rural women are excelling in diverse fields from agriculture to entrepreneurship. “In the coming days, empowered women will play a major role in building a developed India and a prosperous Odisha,” she asserted.
Development Commissioner Anu Garg underscored the government’s focus on women’s active involvement in the development process, reiterating that the primary goal is to foster self-reliance among women.
The conference began with a welcome speech by Shalini Pandit, Secretary, Mission Shakti Department, and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Director Dr. Monika Priyadarshini.