From Dreams to Reality: Odisha’s Lakhpati Didis charting new paths

Bhubaneswar: THE ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, aimed at empowering women economically, has emerged as a transformative force in Odisha. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of financially independent women entrepreneurs, the program has thrived under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Odisha now ranks second nationally in creating Lakhpati Didis, with over 9.36 lakh women achieving an annual income of Rs. 1 lakh or more.
One inspiring example is Tilottama Mahanta, an entrepreneur from Dhakotha village in Keonjhar district. After losing her husband, Tilottama took on the responsibility of financially supporting her family. Despite facing challenges such as limited financial resources and technical knowledge, her life changed when she joined the Raghunathpur
GPLF and Dhakotha CLF.
With access to a bank loan of Rs 5 lakh and a Community Investment Fund (CIF) of Rs. 50,000, she began diversifying into vegetable cultivation, tailoring, and duck farming.
These efforts generated an annual income of Rs. 1.80 lakh, dramatically improving her financial situation.
Her success has not only transformed her life but also positively impacted her family. Her children are now pursuing higher education— her daughter is in college, and her son is studying at the interme-
diate level. Tilottama’s story reflects the empowerment at the heart of the Lakhpati
Didi initiative. The Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) has been key in driving the success of this programme, focusing on financial inclusion, capacity building, market linkages, and skill development.

These efforts have created an environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish, positioning Odisha as a leader in women’s empowerment. The Subhadra Shakti Mela, a recent event, played a crucial role in showcasing the achievements of SHGs and Producer Groups.

The event provided a platform for entrepreneurs to display their products, connect with markets, and enhance their business skills, directly contributing to financial growth and greater visibility. Women like Tilottama Mahanta embody the impact of grassroots initiatives. Her journey is not just about financial success but also social transformation. As more women become empowered, Odisha is on its way to achieving its goal of three crore Lakhpati Didis by 2027, advancing towards a future of self-reliance, dignity, and prosperity.