Saplings And Self-Reliance: Lakhpati Didi Yojana Transforms Tribal Women In South Dang

Image Source : Jaagruk Bharat

The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is reshaping lives in Gujarat’s South Dang region, empowering tribal women through sustainable livelihoods and financial autonomy. Spearheaded by the South Dang Forest Division, the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national vision to create 2 crore Lakhpati Didis—women earning ₹1 lakh annually through selfemployment.

Economic Impact And Skill Development

In FY 2023–24, 40 tribal women collectively earned ₹35 lakh by cultivating 8.5 lakh saplings under nursery contracts.
Payments were made directly into their bank accounts by the forest department, ensuring transparency and financial independence.
Women received handson training in nursery practices including seed sowing, pruning, fertilizer use, and water management.
Additional workshops covered banking, accounting, and financial planning to build longterm economic resilience.

Social Empowerment And Community Leadership

Participants have evolved from homemakers to entrepreneurs and village decisionmakers, contributing actively to local development.
The initiative has boosted confidence and leadership among women, fostering a culture of selfreliance and collective progress.

Environmental Restoration And LongTerm Gains

The saplings raised are part of a broader afforestation effort, enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience in South Dang.
The program’s dual focus on livelihood and ecorestoration positions it as a model for inclusive rural development.

Sources: WebIndia123, Indian Masterminds, NewKerala, Zee News Gujarati, PIB.