More than 16,000 women across Arunachal Pradesh have successfully attained Lakhpati Didi status as part of an expanding grassroots empowerment movement. Alongside this milestone, nearly one lakh women have been integrated into 15,999 self-help groups throughout the state, according to an update shared on Monday by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.
Empowerment Through Local Resources
In a public social media update, Mein noted that the growing initiative is empowering women to leverage their personal skills, local natural resources, and entrepreneurial talents to establish sustainable income streams. When women earn money, families achieve greater financial security, communities grow more resilient, and local economies expand. The ultimate objective is to transition women from mere economic participants into prominent economic leaders.
Targets and Financial Goals
The Lakhpati Didi program is structured to help women connected with self-help groups secure a sustainable annual household income of at least Rs 1 lakh. This is achieved through diversified livelihoods, targeted entrepreneurship, skill enhancement programs, financial inclusion, and convergence with various government initiatives. Official figures indicate that over 16,000 women have already crossed this milestone, while an additional 36,000 prospective candidates have been identified for future support.
Institutional Strengthening and Future Vision
To fortify community institutions and deliver robust support to self-help group members, the state has established 1,488 primary-level federations and 91 cluster-level federations. Mein, who oversees the finance, planning, and investment portfolios, emphasized that the administration's primary focus is expanding access to specialized skills, finance, modern technology, new markets, and diverse livelihood avenues. As part of ongoing efforts under the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission, the government has established a target to build 30 developed cluster-level federations by March 2027 to foster self-reliant women-led institutions.
