PM Modi sets 6 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ target

Prime Minister Narendra Modi set a new target on Saturday to make six crore women 'Lakhpati Didis' during his speech from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day. The term 'Lakhpati Didi' refers to women who earn a sustainable annual household income of ₹1 lakh or more. This initiative, a flagship program under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), aims to empower women in Self-Help Groups.

Modi announced that the government has already surpassed its previous target of making three crore women 'Lakhpati Didis'. The addition of these three crore new 'Lakhpati Didis' will bring significant transformation to the rural economy by harnessing women's strength, Modi emphasized. He also highlighted the increasing role of women in nation-building, citing their leadership in various sectors such as fighter jets, civil aviation, sports, and STEM education.

Modi's reference to women taking up positions in the armed forces, particularly those inducted through the National Defence Academy (NDA), demonstrated their capabilities to lead the country's defense forces. He further recalled his visit to a semiconductor plant in Sanand, Gujarat, where he was impressed by the confidence of tribal women employed in the plant.

Some of these women, who initially had limited knowledge about passports, had traveled abroad for training before returning to their roles in chip manufacturing. Modi expressed his admiration for their newfound confidence.