In a significant move towards empowering women in rural India, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) recently conducted a national-level webinar aimed at enhancing the economic and social well-being of women associated with Self Help Groups (SHGs). This webinar was a part of the ministry’s post-budget consultations for the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26.
The virtual event witnessed active participation from successful SHG members, popularly known as “Lakhpati Didis,” along with key officials from State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs). These women shared inspiring stories of how they achieved financial independence through SHG initiatives, showcasing the real impact of government-backed livelihood programs.
Speaking at the event, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the vital role of state-level collaboration in achieving the goals of the Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme. He stressed the need to build stronger ecosystems that enable women to lead income-generating activities, create jobs in their communities, and drive rural transformation.
Additional Secretary Shri T.K. Anil Kumar outlined the framework of the discussion, which revolved around four main pillars: infrastructure development, financial inclusion, market access, and skill enhancement. These focus areas are seen as crucial for unlocking the full potential of rural women entrepreneurs.
The initiative also included the announcement of new schemes designed to strengthen SHGs, improve digital access, and expand training programs to prepare women for evolving market demands.
Insight by the Womanias
At Womanias, we believe that empowering rural women is not just a step towards gender equality—it’s a foundational move toward building a more resilient, inclusive economy. The Ministry’s initiative echoes what we have long advocated: that when women are given the tools, training, and trust, they don’t just uplift themselves—they transform entire communities. We applaud the Lakhpati Didis for showing what’s possible and call for continued collaboration between government bodies, private partners, and grassroots organizations to keep this momentum alive.
