Women Earning Up to ₹1 Lakh a Month; ‘Lakhpati Didis’ Redefine Self-Reliance in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, Feb 2026 : More than 3.3 million women in Uttar Pradesh are steadily moving towards becoming Lakhpati Didis, as women across the state script new success stories through economic self-reliance. Under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, many women are now earning up to ₹1 lakh per month, marking a significant milestone in women’s empowerment.

Over the past nine years, the state government has implemented welfare schemes with focused intent, enabling women to achieve financial independence. Under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, more than 33 lakh women are on track to attain the Lakhpati Didi status.

Rising Incomes, Becoming the Backbone of Families

A powerful example of self-reliance is Husnara Khatoon from Azamgarh district, a member of the Taiba Self-Help Group. Associated with silk saree manufacturing, her journey transformed after receiving assistance of ₹1.15 lakh under the Lakhpati Didi scheme. Today, she earns nearly ₹1 lakh every month and says her business has expanded nearly twelvefold. Her family now lives with dignity, confidence, and financial security.

Boost to Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment

The extensive framework developed in the state through Self-Help Groups—linking women to finance, training, and markets—has transformed thousands of households. Another inspiring story is that of Shashikala Rajbhar, also from Azamgarh, who secured a loan through her SHG and started a fast-food stall named Aditi Fast Food. She now earns around ₹2,000 daily. Once searching for employment, she has today become a source of inspiration for others. Her journey highlights how well-executed schemes can reshape the social fabric.

Financial Empowerment Touches New Heights

Financial inclusion has emerged as the strongest pillar of women’s empowerment in the state. Saroj Maurya from Azamgarh, who works as a BC Sakhi while continuing her studies, has played a key role in taking banking services to villages. She explains that women earlier hesitated to visit banks, but now access services like deposits, withdrawals, pension distribution, and digital payments at their doorstep.

So far, BC Sakhis have facilitated financial transactions worth nearly ₹40,000 crore across the state and earned dividends exceeding ₹107 crore. These figures reflect how women are now at the centre of economic activity.

Over Nine Lakh Self-Help Groups Formed

The state has formed more than nine lakh Self-Help Groups, supported by 63,519 village organisations and 3,272 cluster-level federations, connecting over 9.9 million women. Under the Lakhpati Didi initiative alone, more than 1.8 million women have already entered the lakhpati category—an achievement that stands as a testament to large-scale social transformation.

Easy Capital to Start Businesses

Under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, women associated with Self-Help Groups receive easy, interest-free, and phased financial support to start small enterprises and self-employment ventures. This access to capital has enabled women to launch businesses at the grassroots level and steadily expand them.

From silk weaving to food stalls and digital banking services, women across Uttar Pradesh are no longer just contributors—but leaders of economic change, strengthening families and communities alike.