Over 28 lakh women emerge as ‘Lakhpati Didis’ across UP; Amethi’s Neetu earns ₹30,000–40,000 monthly through self-help group initiative
Lucknow: Women in rural Uttar Pradesh are scripting a new story of economic independence and social transformation through the State Rural Livelihood Mission. Moving beyond traditional household responsibilities, they are increasingly emerging as entrepreneurs, income earners and key contributors to their families’ financial stability.
The state has connected more than 1.25 crore rural households with over 10.5 lakh self-help groups (SHGs), helping more than 28 lakh women achieve ‘Lakhpati Didi’ status. These women earn a sustained annual income of over ₹1 lakh, contributing to local production, marketing, employment generation and rural economic growth.
Amethi district has emerged as a notable example of this transformation. Through SHGs, women across different development blocks are receiving opportunities in agriculture, animal husbandry, food processing, micro-enterprises and cottage industries. What began with small, regular savings has gradually expanded into bank linkages, entrepreneurship and organised economic activities.
The mission’s institutional framework includes 65,544 village organisations and 3,298 cluster-level federations across Uttar Pradesh. These community institutions help women strengthen financial discipline, participate in collective decision-making and expand their business activities.
The state government is also providing financial assistance through revolving funds and community investment funds, enabling SHGs to access institutional credit at affordable rates and reduce dependence on private moneylenders.
One of the inspiring examples comes from Neetu, a resident of Naraini village in Amethi development block. Earlier, her life revolved around household responsibilities, childcare and financial difficulties. Limited awareness of government schemes and livelihood opportunities made it difficult for her to contribute significantly to the family’s income.
Her association with a self-help group under the National Rural Livelihood Mission proved to be a turning point. Regular group meetings, savings practices and livelihood training helped her develop confidence and understand the potential of collective economic activity.
With training and financial support received through the group, Neetu started her own livelihood activities. Her hard work has enabled her to earn between ₹30,000 and ₹40,000 every month. After achieving financial stability, she also supported her husband in opening a shop, creating an additional source of income for the family.
Her transformation extends beyond financial independence. Neetu now visits households in Naraini and neighbouring areas to spread awareness about central and state government welfare schemes. She encourages women to join self-help groups, develop savings habits and explore self-employment opportunities.
The Amethi district administration is working to connect SHG products with larger markets, provide skill development training and ensure timely bank credit for women entrepreneurs. Continuous support and monitoring at the Gram Panchayat level are also helping women participate in the delivery of various government services.
The success of the Rural Livelihood Mission demonstrates how access to institutional support, financial resources and skill development can transform rural women into agents of economic and social change. Through the Lakhpati Didi initiative, women in Amethi are not only improving their families’ living standards but also contributing to the vision of a self-reliant and developed Uttar Pradesh.
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