Bhubaneswar: Under the Central Government’s “Lakhpati Didi” scheme aimed at empowering rural women to earn a sustainable livelihood of Rs 1 lakh or more annually, Odisha has achieved the top rank in India. As of April 13, 2025, out of the 17.59 lakh identified potential beneficiaries in Odisha, over 14 lakh women have already transformed into “Lakhpati Didis.” With 82% of the target achieved, Odisha has surpassed all other states in the country.
This achievement has been made possible through the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) under the state’s Mission Shakti Department, working in coordination with the centrally sponsored National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). The program, launched in mission mode, has become a powerful model of interdepartmental cooperation, local leadership, and sustainable livelihood strengthening in the state.