Kumar Bahukhandi
Women Millionaire Initiative workshop in Raipur Chhattisgarh from July 9 to 11, 2025 -Photo Credit – Financial Express
In Short
*Officials and livelihood experts from 11 states will participate
*Women entrepreneurship will get a new dimension
Raipur: An important national level regional workshop is going to be organised in the capital Raipur from 9 to 11 July 2025 by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, towards making “Lakhpati Didi” (Millionaire Sister).
The workshop is being organised under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DYA) – National Rural Livelihood Mission. Senior officials of 11 states of the country, mission directors, livelihood experts, representatives of self-help groups and other related stakeholders will participate in the event.
The workshop will be inaugurated in the presence of Additional Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, T.K. Anil, Principal Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, Niharika Barik, Joint Secretary, Government of India, Swati Sharma and Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh, Bhim Singh.
It is worth mentioning that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of preparing 3 crore “Lakhpati Didi” in the country, under which various efforts are being made to make rural women economically self-reliant and entrepreneurial.
In the context, this workshop will provide a strong platform for detailed discussion and experience sharing on various aspects such as rural livelihood opportunities, social and financial inclusion, skill development, market availability, value chain creation and strategies based on modern technologies.
The workshop will witness the participation of candidates from the states of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana, Odisha, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Specially, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, Shailesh Kumar Singh and Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, S.C.L. Das will join through video conferencing and provide guidance to the participants.
During the workshop, in various sessions, there will be in-depth discussion on the topics of use of local resources, women training, financial inclusion and business promotion. An exhibition of products produced by self-help groups formed under the Livelihood Mission will also be organised in the event, so that their products can get a better market.
Director of Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission, Jayshree Jain informed that all preparations for the workshop have been completed. She has expressed hope that the event will inspire women leadership to play a more effective role in rural development. The workshop will not only be an opportunity for discussion but will also become the basis for concrete strategies for the future, which will empower lakhs of women as “Lakhpati Didi”.
