New Delhi, Aug 4 (IANS) The Lakhpati Didi scheme, operating under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to help women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is yielding significant results in Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch, as many are becoming part of the welfare scheme.
Many women, who joined the SHGs have engaged themselves in wide range of ventures, ranging from grocery and general stores to flour mills, poultry farms, RO plants, ‘Didi Cafes’, and fair-price shops.
According to official estimates, about 3,850 women have become latest members of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative.
Lakhpati Didi initiative is a central scheme, being implemented in the states and Union Territories with the objective to improving the livelihoods of poor rural households.
It focusses on individual SHG women and empowers them by engaging them with SHGs, village Organisations (VOs) and other institutions.
As more and more women in Neemuch take the path to self-reliance, the success stories are unfolding for all to see, as they take to various ventures and turn them into source of livelihood.
Rajendra Kumar Chauhan, Development Block Manager of Neemuch said, “So far, 1,287 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), 118 Village Organisations, and 12 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) have been formed in the Neemuch development block. Through bank linkages, these groups have been provided loans of Rs 1.50 lakh in the first phase, Rs 3 lakh in the second phase, and up to Rs 6 lakh in the third phase. Additionally, support is being extended to these groups through the Revolving Fund (RF) and Community Investment Fund (CIF) to help them initiate economic activities.”
He also added that when the benefits of government schemes reach women, the impact extends beyond mere financial aid, it becomes a catalyst for transforming the economic landscape of their families and society.
Krishna Keer from Ugran village shared that after joining the ‘Jai Bhawani Self-Help Group’ in 2021, she received financial assistance which enabled her to open a general merchandise shop.
She began stocking the shop with items such as sarees, children’s ready-made clothing, general store goods, and footwear.
In 2023, she was given the opportunity to operate a PDS (Public Distribution System) shop. Today, the income generated from both the shop and the PDS outlet has completely transformed her financial situation.
From being a homemaker, she is earning in thousands every month. She encourages more women to join Self-Help Groups and avail themselves of the benefits offered by these schemes.
Annu Bairwa from Dunglawada village told IANS that she began her journey by joining the Shri Ganesh Self-Help Group.
Under the Cash Credit Limit (CCL) scheme, she received loans of Rs 1.50 lakh, followed by Rs 3 lakh, and subsequently Rs 6 lakh.
With this financial support, she started a grocery store and improved her family’s financial standing.
By saving from her earnings, Annu also helped her husband set up a welding and lathe machine business. Today, the couple works together to increase the family income and provide a better education for their children.
Sharda Bai from Changera village said that she is a member of the Jai Maa Vaishnavi Self-Help Group. She started a small shop using a loan obtained from the group and from being a homemaker, she has now become a job-giver.
–IANS
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