Q.1. Describe how Lakhpati Didi scheme aligns with the broader mission of poverty alleviation and socio-economic empowerment of women.
02,Oct 2024
Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
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APSC2023
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The Lakhpati Didi scheme is a key initiative under India’s broader mission of poverty alleviation and women’s socio-economic empowerment, launched as part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The scheme aims to enable rural women to become financially independent by helping them achieve an annual income of at least ₹1 lakh, thereby addressing poverty at the grassroots level.
Structure of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme
The Lakhpati Didi Scheme operates through a structured framework involving several components aimed at providing rural women with the necessary tools to enhance their incomes.
1. Self-Help Groups (SHGs):
Women in rural areas are mobilized into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). These SHGs serve as platforms for collective savings, access to credit, and shared economic activities.
SHGs are provided with financial support and training in areas such as agriculture, livestock rearing, handicrafts, and small-scale enterprises, depending on the region and market demand.
Data: As of 2023, there are over 81 lakh SHGs across India, benefiting nearly 9 crore rural women, many of whom are targeted under the Lakhpati Didi initiative.
2. Capacity Building and Skill Development:
The scheme emphasizes capacity building by offering skill training to SHG members in sectors such as dairy farming, poultry, handicrafts, food processing, and agricultural activities. These skills enable women to take up higher-value activities and improve their income potential.
Example: Women are trained in value-added agriculture practices, such as organic farming, which fetches better prices in the market. In other areas, dairy farming is encouraged, with training in modern dairy management.
3. Access to Credit and Financial Inclusion:
SHGs under this scheme are linked with banks to provide low-interest credit for income-generating activities. Access to formal credit helps rural women scale their small businesses, which would otherwise be hindered by lack of capital.
Data: The DAY-NRLM has facilitated over ₹4.85 lakh crore in loans to SHGs as of 2022, empowering women to invest in entrepreneurial ventures under the Lakhpati Didi scheme.
4. Market Linkages and Support:
One of the key components of the scheme is to provide market linkages for the products and services created by women SHGs. Rural women are connected to markets through e-commerce platforms, government initiatives, and local markets to ensure fair prices for their products.
Example: In Assam, SHGs engaged in handloom weaving are connected with national and international markets, enhancing their incomes through traditional crafts.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
The scheme includes mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the progress of SHGs, ensuring that women can achieve the target of earning ₹1 lakh annually. Government agencies work with SHGs to provide continuous support and track performance.
Alignment with Poverty Alleviation and Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women
1. Poverty Alleviation:
The Lakhpati Didi scheme directly contributes to poverty alleviation by helping women from marginalized communities increase their household incomes through sustainable livelihoods. By setting the ₹1 lakh annual income target, the scheme addresses income insufficiency and works to uplift Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
Example: In states like Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, where poverty levels are high, the scheme provides rural women with economic opportunities in areas like agriculture and dairy farming, thus reducing their reliance on low-wage labor or seasonal farming.
2. Economic Empowerment of Women:
Economic empowerment is a central goal of the scheme, as it not only increases income but also promotes financial literacy, decision-making power, and entrepreneurial capabilities among women. By organizing women into SHGs, the scheme fosters a sense of collective responsibility and support.
Data: As part of the DAY-NRLM, women’s empowerment has shown significant results, with SHG members reporting a 25-30% increase in income over the last few years due to the emphasis on entrepreneurship and market linkages.
3. Promoting Gender Equality:
The scheme contributes to gender equality by enabling rural women to become economic contributors to their households and communities. As women take up entrepreneurial roles, they gain respect and recognition, challenging traditional gender roles.
Example: In Bihar, women involved in SHGs through the Lakhpati Didi scheme have taken on leadership roles in the community, managing small-scale businesses in agriculture and textiles.
4. Social Empowerment:
By providing a platform for social interaction and collaborative decision-making, the scheme helps women gain confidence, become more aware of their rights, and actively participate in the economic and social development of their communities.
Example: Women in SHGs in Assam have taken the lead in community initiatives like sanitation drives and village development projects, supported by income from the Lakhpati Didi scheme.
5. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
The scheme aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By promoting sustainable livelihoods for women, the scheme contributes to the overall economic development of rural areas.
Government Initiatives and State-Level Examples
Assam’s Role: In Assam, the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) has been implementing the Lakhpati Didi initiative by supporting SHG members in agriculture, handloom, and small-scale enterprises. The state’s SHGs are being provided with financial literacy training, market access, and sustainable agriculture practices to achieve the ₹1 lakh income target.
Other State-Level Initiatives: States like Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal have also aligned their rural livelihood programs with the Lakhpati Didi initiative. In Odisha, women SHGs are involved in dairy farming and poultry, while in West Bengal, handicrafts and food processing are the primary focus areas for income generation under the scheme.
The Lakhpati Didi scheme is a crucial initiative that aligns with the broader mission of poverty alleviation and women’s socio-economic empowerment. By providing rural women with the tools, skills, and resources needed to generate sustainable incomes, the scheme not only lifts families out of poverty but also promotes gender equality and economic growth. Through its structured approach of SHGs, capacity building, financial inclusion, and market linkages, the Lakhpati Didi scheme has the potential to transform the lives of millions of women across India, including states like Assam, where it contributes to the socio-economic development of marginalized communities.
