Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 13 Aug: Uttarakhand Government has claimed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand has scripted a new chapter in women’s empowerment with the number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ surpassing three lakh. The officials stated that the government’s determined efforts have ensured that 3,03,696 women in the state have achieved an annual income of more than Rs 1 lakh, setting a remarkable example of self‑reliance. For the financial year 2026‑27, the target of making 1.12 lakh women ‘Lakhpati Didis’ has already been set, and departments concerned are working to achieve it ahead of schedule.
It may be recalled that the scheme was launched in November 2022 under the Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission to strengthen rural economy and empower women. According to the government, with firm political will and consistent implementation, every annual target has been achieved before time. Women associated with self‑help groups have taken up diverse activities such as organic farming, food processing, spice production, handicrafts, dairy and animal husbandry, bee‑keeping, mushroom cultivation and homestay operations. Responding to rising demand, many have also ventured into millet‑based bakery products.
To ensure easy access to markets, the government has established 24 growth centres, 33 nano packaging units and 17 Saras centres. District, state and national‑level Saras fairs are being organised to connect women’s products with larger markets. The ‘House of Himalayas’ brand has given a distinct identity to local products prepared by self‑help groups, enhancing branding, packaging and quality, which has led to increased demand in metropolitan cities and major towns.
As part of the mission, 5,19,943 women have been organised into 70,767 groups, 8,179 village organisations and 615 cluster‑level federations across all 13 districts and 95 blocks of the state. The government has also introduced several schemes to support women, including Mukhyamantri Ekal Mahila Swarozgar Yojana, Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Yojana, Drone Didi Yojana, Solar Sakhi Yojana, Mukhyamantri Satat Aajeevika Mission, Mukhyamantri Nari Sashaktikaran Yojana and Mukhyamantri Udyamshala Yojana. In addition, women have been granted 30 per cent horizontal reservation in government services and 33 per cent reservation in cooperative societies.
Commenting on the achievements, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami observed that the women are the foremost drivers of Uttarakhand’s economic and social transformation. By engaging in varied economic activities, they are not only becoming self‑reliant but also playing a leading role in the state’s development. He reiterated that the government remains committed at every level to the respect, safety and economic empowerment of women, ensuring that maternal power continues to be the strongest pillar of progress in the state.
