Lakhpati Didi Scheme: Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process

The Lakhpati Didi Scheme is a Government of India initiative aiming to empower rural women by helping them earn a sustainable income of at least ₹1 Lakh per year. It’s a part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). Continue reading to understand its eligibility criteria, benefits, the business loan schemes available, and the application process.

What is the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?

The Lakhpati Didi Scheme has a clear focus on helping women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) become financially independent. A Lakhpati Didi is a woman who achieves financial independence through sustainable livelihood practices and inspires her community with her transformation.

The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2023. In the Union Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an expansion of the target to help three crore SHG members become “Lakhpati Didis."

The strategy includes focused planning and support to help every beneficiary micro unit achieve higher annual household income. The scheme achieves this by providing access to training, market linkages, and, most importantly, various forms of financial assistance to start or expand small businesses.

Also Read: Top 15 Subsidies Provided by Government for Small Businesses and MSMEs

Eligibility Criteria for Lakhpati Didi Scheme

To qualify for the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, women must meet the following broadly applicable criteria:

• Citizenship and Residency: Must be an Indian citizen and ideally a permanent resident of the state where they are applying.

• Self-Help Group (SHG) Membership: Must be an active member of a women’s SHG that has been active for at least 2 years.

• Livelihood: Practising at least two livelihood activities, including diversified livelihood activities or adopting sustainable livelihood practices.

Note: Households already benefiting from DAY-NRLM’s livelihood assistance are prioritised under the Lakhpati initiative.

Required Documents for Lakhpati Didi Scheme

Broadly, keeping these identifiers ready will further enable women to benefit from the Yojana:

• Aadhaar Card

• PAN Card

• Bank Account Passbook

• Passport-sized Photograph

• Active Mobile Number

• Domicile Certificate

• Ration Card

Also Read: Top 5 Business Loan Schemes from Government of India in 2025

Financial Assistance: Loan Options and Benefits

Under this scheme, women receive a multi-layered financial support system, right from initial funding to larger business loans.

Foundational Support Within the SHG 

These funds help build the SHG’s financial discipline and provide immediate credit for small needs.

Accessing a Formal Business Loan

Once their SHG is established, women can access larger funds through various financial institutions.

• Bank Linkage: SHGs can connect with commercial banks and small finance banks to access credit.

• Collateral-Free Loans: SHGs can avail of collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 Lakh.

• Interest Subvention: For loans up to ₹3 lakh to SHGs, the interest rate is subsidised to 7% per annum.

• Jan-Dhan Overdraft Facility: Every woman SHG member with a Jan-Dhan account can access an overdraft facility of ₹5,000.

• 2025 Update: The scheme is now linked with the “Namo Drone Didi” initiative, providing subsidies and training for SHG women to use drones in agriculture.

Benefits of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme

1. Access to Training: Beneficiaries receive skill development and training in livelihood activities, including modern agricultural techniques such as drone operation and repair.

2. Business Opportunities: The scheme supports the establishment of entrepreneurial ventures by SHG members, providing access to funds to scale their businesses.

3. Loan and Financial Support: SHGs can access various funds and benefit from subsidised interest rates on loans up to ₹3 Lakh, promoting financial inclusion.

4. Rural Employment and Income Growth: The scheme boosts rural employment and long-term financial stability by integrating women into technology and entrepreneurship.

5. Community Support: SHGs foster collective action, financial literacy, skill development, and livelihood support, empowering women to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

Application Process for Lakhpati Didi Scheme

Since the Scheme is meant to function at the grassroots level, there's no single set application process. Broadly, here's what women keen on being a Lakhpati Didi can keep in mind:

• Join a Local SHG: Being a long-standing member is essential.

• Obtain Information: Visit local Anganwadi centres or Rural Livelihood Mission offices to gather details about the scheme, the application process, and the training.

• Complete the Application Form: Provide the required personal and financial details.

• Submit Required Documents: Provide the required documents, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, bank passbook, etc., as and when required.

Also Read: A Complete Guide to Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana Scheme

To Conclude

The Lakhpati Didi Scheme gives rural women in India a simple pathway to achieve financial empowerment. It offers a wide range of financial support, from internal loans to formal business loan schemes, helping them build and scale a successful enterprise.

If you’re looking for financial assistance for your business, Poonawalla Fincorp offers a Business Loan for women that can help with working capital, expansion, or essential purchases as your enterprise grows.

FAQs

What is the main goal of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?

The primary goal of the scheme is to provide skill and financial support to rural women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs), empowering them to earn a sustainable annual income of at least ₹1 lakh.

Who is eligible for the Lakhpati Didi scheme?

Any woman who is an active member of a registered Self-Help Group (SHG) under the DAY-NRLM programme and participates in its activities is eligible for the scheme.

How much financial support is available under the scheme?

The scheme provides multi-level support, including small internal funds within the SHG and access to larger, collateral-free bank loans of up to ₹20 Lakh for the group.