Maharashtra government aims to create one crore "lakhpati didis": CM Fadnavis

CM Fadnavis praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming the status of women through initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mudra loans, and the Lakhpati Didi scheme File pic

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that the aims of his government was to create one crore "lakhpati didis" in the state.

He said that last year, 25 lakh 'lakhpati didis' were created, and the aim is to add another 25 lakh this year.

The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana forms a key part of this initiative. Despite rumors claiming the scheme would be stopped, the government intends to continue and even increase aid at the appropriate time, reported PTI.

"Lakhpati didi" is a term introduced by the Union government referring to a self-help group (SHG) member who earns an annual household income of Rs 1 lakh or more. This income is assessed over at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles, with an average monthly income exceeding Rs 10,000.

The Ladki Bahin Yojana is the flagship program of the state government, under which eligible women beneficiaries receive Rs 1500 per month, subject to certain conditions such as annual household income limits, reported PTI.

Fadnavis noted that some individuals had misused the scheme, with men uploading photos of motorbikes to falsely claim benefits. The government is taking action by removing such names from the beneficiary list.

Maharashtra leads the country in the number of SHGs, and plans are underway to establish malls in 10 districts where products made by these groups will be sold, the CM added.

He mentioned that funding and revolving funds have been increased, emphasizing that women have a much higher loan repayment rate compared to men. In many schemes, men have failed to repay even 50 per cent of their loans, reported PTI.

As reported by PTI, the CM credited the support of women for the Mahayuti alliance's success in retaining power during the November 2024 assembly elections. He encouraged brothers to empower their sisters so they can protect themselves and their families.

Fadnavis praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming the status of women through initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mudra loans, and the Lakhpati Didi scheme. He pointed out that 60 per cent of Mudra loan beneficiaries in the last decade have been women.

He further stated that 25 crore families have been lifted out of poverty thanks to these schemes, which have brought women into the mainstream economy.

The CM recalled a time when India accounted for 35 per cent of global trade and 30 per cent of the world's GDP, reported PTI.

He concluded by saying that India's decline began when respect for women diminished and caste divisions increased. For India to develop again, women must be included and empowered.

(Inputs from PTI)