Odisha Leads the Way in Women’s Empowerment: National Lakhpati Didi Conference-2025 Held in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The National Lakhpati Didi Conference-2025, a celebration of women’s empowerment and grassroots leadership, was held today at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar. Organized by the Mission Shakti Department, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Lakhpati Didis and officials representing 25 states and Union Territories.

Inaugurating the event, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hailed the Lakhpati Didi Yojana as a transformative step under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “This initiative is not just about income generation—it’s about creating financially independent women leaders in rural India,” he said.

Highlighting Odisha’s achievements, the Chief Minister announced that the state has empowered over 17 lakh women as Lakhpati Didis, securing the top rank in India for implementation of the scheme. “This success is a result of the combined efforts of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Mission Shakti’s commitment, and the grassroots outreach of the Odisha Livelihoods Mission,” he said.

Chief Minister Majhi also outlined the financial support extended to SHGs across Odisha, including interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh, an increase in revolving fund assistance from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, and a hike in the Community Investment Fund from ₹35 lakh to ₹60 lakh. These initiatives, he said, have given women the confidence to expand their businesses and gain economic independence.

The Chief Minister spotlighted the innovative Subhadra Shakti Café model, which enables SHG women to operate large-scale cafés as entrepreneurs. Through platforms like the Subhadra Shakti Melas, SHG members have achieved impressive sales, established their identity, and gained the confidence to venture into international markets.

“We are committed to nurturing women as entrepreneurs and leaders. Our goal is to turn the Lakhpati Didi initiative into a nationwide movement for dignity, self-reliance, and leadership,” he added.

During the event, several outstanding Lakhpati Didis were felicitated, including Shakuntala Dhal (Deogarh), Sulami Dalabehera (Gajapati), and Mamata Nath Sharma (Kendrapara). Nayagarh district received the first prize for achieving 98% Lakhpati Didi creation, while Kendrapara, Cuttack, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur districts, each achieving 97%, were recognized in the second category. Devi Prasad Nayak of the Odisha Livelihoods Mission was honoured as the best state-level official.

Success stories shared by Bindhyabashini from Rayagada and Shobha Digambar Kadam from Maharashtra underscored the impact of the initiative on rural women’s lives.

The Chief Minister also unveiled a video, a coffee table book, and a booklet highlighting the journeys of Lakhpati Didis.

Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Pravati Parida described the Lakhpati Didi Yojana as more than a program—it’s a movement. “This initiative has brought rural women out of their homes and into the mainstream of development. Odisha continues to lead the country in creating Lakhpati Didis, and that’s a matter of immense pride,” she said.

Parida emphasized that women are showcasing their skills across sectors—from agriculture and animal husbandry to tailoring and café management. “These women are not just earning; they’re inspiring others and redefining development in rural India.”

Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg stressed that the true aim of the initiative is to make women self-reliant participants in the development process. “Creating Lakhpati Didis is a milestone, but the mission goes beyond—it is about sustained empowerment,” she noted.

The National Lakhpati Didi Conference-2025 concluded with a resounding call to scale up the mission and turn it into a cornerstone for building a developed India and a prosperous Odisha, powered by empowered women.