Lakhpati Didi Initiative 2024: Updates for Social Work Professional

📰 Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently participated in the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Maharashtra, highlighting the government's commitment to women-led development and rural economic empowerment.

🌟 Key Highlights of the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan

1. Milestone Achievement: 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis were felicitated
2. Financial Boost:
   • ₹2,500 crore revolving fund released, benefiting 48 lakh SHG members
   • ₹5,000 crore in bank loans disbursed to 25.8 lakh SHG members
3. Economic Impact: PM emphasized women's role in India's ascent to become the world's third-largest economy

💡 Understanding the Lakhpati Didi Initiative

What is a Lakhpati Didi?

A Lakhpati Didi is a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) who achieves an annual household income of ₹1 lakh or more, sustained over at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles.

🎯 Objectives

1. Empower rural women economically
2. Create sustainable livelihood opportunities
3. Transform SHG members into community role models

📊 Strategy for Success

1. Diversified Livelihood Options: Expanding and strengthening income sources
2. Comprehensive Support:
   • Assets (inputs, equipment)
   • Skills (training, knowledge transfer)
   • Finance (bank linkages, scheme access)
   • Market Access (branding, e-commerce)
3. Capacity Building: Regular training for mission staff and SHG members
4. Convergence: Leveraging government schemes and private sector partnerships

🏆 Achievements

• 1 crore women have become Lakhpati Didis since 2023
• Target increased from 2 crore to 3 crore Lakhpati Didis
• Over ₹6,000 crore disbursed to Women SHGs across India

🌈 Other Women Empowerment Initiatives

1. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: Provides loans up to ₹10 lakh for non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises
2. Mahila E-Haat: Online marketing platform for women entrepreneurs
3. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Housing scheme with preference for female applicants
4. Mission Shakti: Umbrella scheme for women's safety, empowerment, and livelihood
5. Nari Shakti Puraskar: Highest civilian honor for women in India

💼 Impact on Rural Economy

The Lakhpati Didi initiative has significantly transformed the rural socio-economic landscape:

• Financial Inclusion: Increased access to formal banking for rural women
• Entrepreneurship Boost: More women-led businesses in rural areas
• Skill Development: Enhanced vocational and financial management skills
• Social Change: Improved status of women in rural communities

🔍 Critical Analysis

Strengths

• Grassroots level empowerment
• Sustainable income generation
• Community-driven approach

Challenges

• Ensuring long-term sustainability of income
• Scaling the initiative across diverse geographical regions
• Addressing social barriers and patriarchal norms

📚 Important for Competitive Exams

1. Key Facts:
   • Launch year of Lakhpati Didi Initiative: 2023
   • Current target: 3 crore Lakhpati Didis
   • Implementing agency: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)
2. Conceptual Understanding:
   • Definition of a Lakhpati Didi
   • Four-pillar strategy: Assets, Skills, Finance, Market Access
3. Related Schemes:
   • MUDRA Yojana
   • Mission Shakti
   • Mahila E-Haat
4. Economic Impact:
   • Role in India's GDP growth
   • Financial inclusion statistics
5. Current Affairs:
   • Recent achievements and milestones
   • Government announcements related to the initiative

🖋️ Conclusion

The Lakhpati Didi initiative represents a paradigm shift in rural women's empowerment, moving from welfare-based approaches to active economic participation. As India progresses towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, initiatives like these will play a crucial role in ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.

Comprehensive Question Bank: Lakhpati Didi Sammelan and Related Initiatives

1. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1: What is the main objective of the Lakhpati Didi Initiative under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)?
A) To empower rural women through SHGs
B) To ensure an annual household income of Rs. 1,00,000 or more
C) To provide education and healthcare facilities
D) To promote rural tourism

Answer: B
Explanation: The primary objective of the Lakhpati Didi Initiative is to ensure that SHG members achieve an annual household income of Rs. 1,00,000 or more by engaging in diversified livelihood activities.

Q2: Which of the following was a significant financial disbursement announced at the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan?
A) Rs 1,000 crore as seed capital for new SHGs
B) Rs 2,500 crore revolving fund for SHGs
C) Rs 10,000 crore grant for women entrepreneurs
D) Rs 3,000 crore loan waiver for SHG members

Answer: B
Explanation: At the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan, a revolving fund of Rs 2,500 crore was released to benefit about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh SHGs.

Q3: What was the target increase announced by the government for the Lakhpati Didi Initiative in 2023?
A) From 1 crore to 2 crore
B) From 2 crore to 3 crore
C) From 3 crore to 4 crore
D) From 5 crore to 6 crore

Answer: B
Explanation: The government announced the enhancement of the target for Lakhpati Didi from 2 crore to 3 crore, recognizing the success of the initiative.

Q4: The Lakhpati Didi Initiative focuses on achieving a sustainable income across how many agricultural seasons or business cycles?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Five

Answer: C
Explanation: The Lakhpati Didi Initiative ensures that the income is sustained across at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles.

2. Assertion and Reason (A/R) Statements

Q5: Assertion (A): The Lakhpati Didi Initiative aims to improve women's income by transforming their lives through sustainable livelihood practices.
Reason (R): It primarily focuses on providing financial aid without any capacity-building efforts.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: C
Explanation: The Lakhpati Didi Initiative not only focuses on improving income but also emphasizes capacity-building, providing assets, skills, and market access to ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Q6: Assertion (A): The Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Maharashtra highlighted the PM's commitment to rural women's empowerment.
Reason (R): The event involved the distribution of Rs 5,000 crore in bank loans to benefit SHG members.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: B
Explanation: Both statements are true, but the distribution of bank loans is one of the measures taken at the event, not the sole reason for the PM's commitment to rural women's empowerment.

3. Matching Pairs

Q7: Match the following initiatives with their respective focus areas:

A) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
B) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
C) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
D) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

Answer: A
Explanation:

• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana focuses on rural women's financial inclusion.
• Mahila E-Haat is an online platform for women entrepreneurs.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana aims at affordable housing for women.
• Mission Shakti is centered around women entrepreneurship.

4. Passage-Based Comprehension

Q8: Read the following passage and answer the questions below:

The Lakhpati Didi Initiative under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) was launched to empower rural women by ensuring a sustainable income. The initiative encourages SHG members to engage in diversified livelihood options and provides them with assets, skills, and market access. The PM, during the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan, highlighted the vital role of women in India's economy and recognized the success of the initiative by enhancing the target for Lakhpati Didis from 2 crore to 3 crore.

Q8.1: What is the primary goal of the Lakhpati Didi Initiative according to the passage?
A) To provide free education to rural women
B) To ensure that SHG members achieve a sustainable annual income
C) To promote digital literacy among women
D) To distribute food supplies in rural areas

Answer: B
Explanation: The primary goal is to ensure that SHG members achieve a sustainable annual income by engaging in diversified livelihood options.

Q8.2: How has the success of the Lakhpati Didi Initiative been recognized as mentioned in the passage?
A) By launching new SHG schemes
B) By increasing the target for Lakhpati Didis from 2 crore to 3 crore
C) By providing scholarships to SHG members
D) By offering tax exemptions for SHGs

Answer: B
Explanation: The success of the initiative was recognized by increasing the target for Lakhpati Didis from 2 crore to 3 crore.

Q8.3: Which of the following does the Lakhpati Didi Initiative NOT focus on according to the passage?
A) Providing market access
B) Building digital tools for SHGs
C) Offering diversified livelihood options
D) Enhancing income through sustainable practices

Answer: B
Explanation: The passage does not mention building digital tools for SHGs as a focus of the Lakhpati Didi Initiative.