Lakhpati Didi: A transformative movement towards women empowerment in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Aligned with this philosophy, the Government of Odisha, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has advanced women’s empowerment through the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative.
This program embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to create a robust network of women entrepreneurs, making them financially independent and socially empowered.
Odisha has made impressive strides, securing the second position in implementing the Lakhpati Didi initiative, closely trailing Maharashtra. Over 9.36 lakh women in the state have achieved the milestone of earning Rs 1 lakh or more annually, highlighting the success and momentum of the scheme. Odisha’s performance under this initiative reflects a strong commitment to women’s empowerment.
The initiative is driven by the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM), which focuses on financial inclusion, skill enhancement, market access, and capacity building. This multifaceted approach has created a thriving ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.
The state’s success is reflected in various districts. Sambalpur leads with 79 per cent of its target achieved, followed by Jagatsinghpur at 70 per cent and Jajpur at 69 per cent. As of March 19, 2025, Odisha has successfully created more than 9.36 lakh Lakhpati Didis, against a yearly target of 16.19 lakh, with an impressive 58 per cent progress.
Key to this success are strategic partnerships with national and state-level agencies, which have bolstered productivity, diversified livelihoods, and enhanced market linkages for grassroots women entrepreneurs. Expert organisations have supported women in sectors ranging from food and beverages to handicrafts and micro-enterprises.
The Subhadra Shakti Mela, a key event in the initiative, recently concluded with great success. The mela, organized at both state and regional levels, provided women entrepreneurs with exposure, economic opportunities, and networking platforms. This year’s event, which featured 300 first-time participants, generated a business turnover exceeding Rs 8 crore. Notably, 1000 participants transitioned into certified Lakhpati Didis during the mela.
Women SHGs across Odisha have embraced diverse economic activities under the Lakhpati Didi framework. From traditional handloom and handicrafts to modern agribusiness and processed food enterprises, women entrepreneurs have showcased innovation. Products like millets-based items, terracotta crafts, and organic goods are bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern market demands.
A standout example of entrepreneurial success is the Maa Vaishno Devi Producer Group from Pandakamal in Kalahandi district. The group, consisting of 20 members and supporting 120 women from 26 SHGs, has turned its garment manufacturing unit into a flourishing business. With a diverse range of products, including uniforms and Sambalpuri sarees, their business generated Rs 78 lakh last year alone. During the Subhadra Shakti Mela, Maa Vaishno Devi PG achieved sales exceeding Rs 6 lakh, and their products are now sold in markets across Odisha, Kolkata, Jharkhand, and Bihar.
The success of Maa Vaishno Devi PG exemplifies the transformative potential of the Lakhpati Didi initiative. By empowering ordinary homemakers to become successful entrepreneurs, the initiative has positioned Odisha as a leader in women empowerment and livelihood innovation.
A structured market linkage strategy is being developed to strengthen value chains, expand market access, and increase the earning potential of Lakhpati Didis. Digital platforms, e-commerce, and export linkages are being leveraged to introduce grassroots entrepreneurs to global markets. Collaborations with export agencies and certifications like ISO and Organic are also being pursued to boost the economic status of these women.
With more than 9.36 lakh women already achieving Lakhpati status, including women from aspirational and tribal districts, the journey has just begun. Odisha’s unwavering commitment to this initiative positions it to soon surpass Maharashtra in national rankings. This journey is not just about economic growth but embodies social empowerment, community transformation, and nation-building. Each empowered woman brings Odisha closer to an inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society.
Indeed, Lakhpati Didi is more than just an initiative; it is a movement that represents a better, stronger Odisha, led by empowered women whose success stories inspire future generations.