Budget 2024 Addresses Women's Empowerment with the Lakhpati Didi Initiative

During the presentation of the Interim Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman captured the nation's attention by focusing on a key goal: enhancing the empowerment of women, along with addressing the needs of the youth and the poor. Outlined in her brief but potent speech, she aimed to elevate the status of women through the notable Lakhpati Didi initiative.

Introduction to the Lakhpati Didi Announcement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had first introduced the term 'Lakhpati Didi' in his address on Independence Day in 2023. The Finance Minister elaborated on this concept in her recent speech, emphasizing the government's commitment to raising the number of Lakhpati Didis from 2 crore to 3 crore.

Understanding the Lakhpati Didi Scheme

The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is an ambitious government scheme aimed at the financial empowerment of women across India. It provides women self-help groups with training in various skills, such as producing LED bulbs, plumbing, and drone repairing. By participating in this scheme, women have the opportunity to generate an annual family income of at least Rs 1 lakh, thereby achieving the 'Lakhpati' status.

To realize the full benefits of this program, women can join self-help groups and reach out to their nearest Anganwadi centers for more information on how to participate.

Eligibility and Documentation

For those interested in becoming a part of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, the following documents are required to ensure eligibility:

• Aadhar card
• PAN card
• Address proof
• Bank account details
• Income certificate
• Passport size photograph
• Registered mobile number
• Email id

The inclusion of this scheme in the Interim Budget marks the ongoing commitment of the Modi government to women's financial independence. Now, in her sixth budget presentation, Sitharaman's announcements fortify the efforts toward gender equality and poverty alleviation, standing out as key highlights in the lead-up to the next electoral phase.

As part of standard procedure, the Interim Budget serves as a precursor to the full budget, which will be unveiled once the new government comes into power post elections.

empowerment, finance, women