PM Modi sets target of 6 crore 'Lakhpati Didis', lauds women for transforming rural economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday set a target of making six crore women ‘Lakhpati Didis’, saying this would bring a major transformation in the rural economy through the strength of women.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, Modi said the government has already surpassed its target of making three crore women 'Lakhpati Didis'.

The Lakhpati Didi initiative is a flagship Indian government programme under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

It aims to empower women in Self-Help Groups to achieve a sustainable annual household income of ₹1 lakh or more

"We have surpassed the target we had set of making three crore sisters 'Lakhpati Didis'. Now, we are moving forward with the target of creating six crore Lakhpati Didis," he said.

Modi said the creation of three crore new 'Lakhpati Didis' would bring a significant change in the rural economy through women's empowerment.

He also highlighted the growing contribution of women in nation-building, saying they are leading in sectors ranging from fighter jets and civil aviation to sports.

"Whether it is fighter jets or civil aviation, our daughters are seen at the forefront," Modi said, adding that women are also making their presence felt in sports and STEM education.

He said women inducted into the armed forces through the National Defence Academy (NDA) are demonstrating their ability to lead the country's armed forces.

Recalling his visit to a semiconductor plant in Gujarat's Sanand, Modi said he was impressed by the confidence of tribal women working there.

He said some of these women had come from villages where they did not even know what a passport was, but later travelled abroad for training and returned to work in chip manufacturing.

"I was truly very impressed when I saw their confidence," Modi said.