The Ministry of Rural Development marked Raksha Bandhan by hosting a celebration with Self-Help Group members and Lakhpati Didis from across the country. Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the event and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting rural women’s economic independence and well-being.
The programme was conducted under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), with participants joining through virtual mode from different parts of India.
What the government said
The Minister described Self-Help Groups as central to rural transformation and highlighted how collective effort and entrepreneurship have changed lives in villages. He characterised Lakhpati Didis as examples of rural women achieving economic independence and taking on leadership roles.
The government committed to continuing its support through several areas: skill training, affordable credit access, digital empowerment, enterprise promotion and stronger connections to markets for selling goods and services.
According to the Ministry, the DAY-NRLM has brought more than 10 crore rural women into Self-Help Groups, creating what it describes as one of the world’s largest networks of women-led community institutions.
During the event, Lakhpati Didis from Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh participated in the traditional Rakhi ceremony with the Minister. Thousands of Self-Help Group members from Village Organisations and Cluster Level Federations across the country joined through online participation.
What this means for you
If you are a member of a Self-Help Group or aspiring to join one, the government’s emphasis on credit access, training and market linkages signals continued investment in these schemes. Rural women looking to start or expand income-generating activities may find pathways through these programmes and their local village organisations.