The Lakhpati Didi Yojana 2026 scheme was launched on 15 August 2023 with one specific goal: help rural women in Self Help Groups earn at least Rs 1 lakh per year as sustained household income. It started with a target of 2 crore women. By 2026, the government revised that to 3 crore.
If you or someone in your family is part of an SHG under DAY-NRLM, this scheme is worth knowing about. Unlike most welfare programmes, it does not transfer cash directly. Instead, it upgrades skills so the income comes from actual work.
What Lakhpati Didi Yojana actually does
The scheme runs through the Ministry of Rural Development via the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. SHG women who already earn something get trained in higher-value skills: plumbing, LED bulb making, drone operation, livestock care. The goal is to push household income past the one lakh mark and keep it there.
Over 1.15 crore women have completed training so far. States with the most enrolments are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. Women who finish training report a 40 to 60 percent income increase within the first year, according to Ministry of Rural Development data.
Eligibility for Lakhpati Didi Yojana 2026
- Female member of an SHG registered under DAY-NRLM
- Indian citizen from a rural area
- Age between 18 and 60 years
- No government employee in the family above a certain income level
- Willing to participate in the skill training programme
Priority goes to women from economically weaker sections. SC/ST families get preference in most states.
Benefits under the scheme
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill training | Plumbing, LED bulb making, drone operation, livestock care |
| Credit access | Linked to MUDRA loans, Stand-Up India, and PMFME |
| Market linkage | Access to rural markets and e-commerce platforms |
| Drone Didi track | Selected women can train as drone pilots for agricultural work |
| Peer mentorship | Guidance from existing Lakhpati Didi members in the SHG network |
How to register for Lakhpati Didi Yojana
There is no separate online form. Registration happens through the SHG structure under NRLM.
- Contact your local Gram Panchayat or Block Development Officer
- If you are already an SHG member, inform your group leader or Aajeevika Sakhi that you want to participate
- Your SHG data is already in the NRLM database. Eligible members get called for training when batches open
- For new SHG registration: go to your nearest CSC or Gram Panchayat with Aadhaar, bank passbook, and a photograph
- New SHG members need 3 to 6 months of active group participation before becoming eligible for Lakhpati Didi training
Linked government schemes
Women who reach Lakhpati Didi status can access several other programmes:
- PM Mudra Yojana: collateral-free business loans up to Rs 10 lakh
- Drone Didi Scheme: drone kits and certification for agricultural spraying
- PMFME: funding support for food processing micro enterprises
- Stand-Up India: loans from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account linked to Aadhaar
- SHG membership certificate
- Income certificate if required by your state
- Passport-size photograph
Important links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| NRLM portal | aajeevika.gov.in |
| MyScheme portal | myscheme.gov.in |
| Ministry of Rural Development | rural.gov.in |
| Jan Samarth portal | jansamarth.in |
Common questions
Can urban women apply for Lakhpati Didi?
This scheme is for rural SHG members under DAY-NRLM. Urban women can look at similar programmes under DAY-NULM instead.
Is any cash given directly?
No. The scheme trains you and connects you to credit and markets. The income comes from the work or business you run after training.
How long does the training take?
Most skill modules run 15 to 45 days. Drone operation training is about 2 months including hands-on sessions.
Last updated: 16.06.2026
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