Bhubaneswar, April 17: Odisha has proudly secured as the top-performing state in India under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, a flagship programme by the Government of India aimed at empowering rural women to earn ₹1 lakh or more annually through sustainable livelihood activities.
Odisha has successfully created 14,41,074 Lakhpati Didis, achieving 82% of its identified target of 17.59 lakh potential beneficiaries—outpacing all other states and standing as a model for rural economic revitalization.
This remarkable transformation has been driven by the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) under the Department of Mission Shakti, in alignment with the goals of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). With a mission-mode approach, Odisha has built a robust framework rooted in decentralised planning, grassroots leadership, and structured livelihood support.
The journey began with a door-to-door identification campaign, led by Community Support Staff (CSS), Self Help Group (SHG) leaders, and OLM officials. They conducted extensive household-level surveys to assess income levels, existing skills, and future aspirations—identifying women with the potential to become Lakhpati Didis.
But identification was just the beginning. These women were trained, mentored, and supported through every step. Individual Business Development Plans (BDPs) were designed for each Potential Lakhpati Didi, offering tailored pathways to grow or diversify their income-generating activities based on local conditions and personal capabilities.
In addition, many eligible beneficiaries have seen significant gains through the Subhadra Scheme, a flagship initiative launched by the new BJP government.
