2.277 million women in MP became ‘Lakhpati Didis’:State ranks 4th among top 5 after being in 8th position in the country last year

Madhya Pradesh is solidifying its position among the leading states in the country in the direction of women’s empowerment. According to the latest data released by the central government (as of December 31, 2025), 22,77,814 women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh has become the fourth state in the list of states with the most Lakhpati Didis in the country. This information came to light in response to a question in Parliament. A year ago, Madhya Pradesh was the eighth state in terms of Lakhpati Didis. The government provided 34 drones to Namo Drone Didis Women in Madhya Pradesh are not lagging behind in the field of modern farming and technology either. Under the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme, 34 drones have been made available to Madhya Pradesh, which places it third in the country (after Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka). Women from 89 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in MP have received certified technical training related to drones, enabling them to now spray liquid fertilisers and pesticides in fields using drones. What is the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme The main objective of this scheme is to make rural women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) economically self-reliant. Under this, each female member is to be enabled to ensure a minimum annual income of 1 lakh rupees based on at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles. PM announced the scheme in 2023 Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, 2023, with the initial target of making 2 crore women ‘Lakhpatis’ (later increased to 3 crore). How the scheme works Under this initiative, women are provided with financial assistance, market linkages, skill development training, and access to bank loans. It also includes supportive schemes like ‘Namo Drone Didi’, which helps women increase their income through modern technologies. Namo Drone Didi: Drone Distribution in States (Top 5) (Based on 500 drones provided under the scheme) Top – 5 States (where most drones were given) Top – 5 States providing drone training to Namo Drone Didis (In these states, women beneficiaries/SHGs received certificates to operate drones)