The government is offering loans of up to ₹5 lakh and free training to rural women without requiring any guarantee; here is how to apply..

Lakhpati Didi Yojana: The 'Lakhpati Didi Yojana' is being implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development (DAY-NRLM) of the Central Government to economically empower rural women across the country. The primary objective of this scheme is to raise the annual household income of members associated with women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to over ₹1 lakh by providing them with skill training, financial assistance, and market access.

Under the scheme, eligible women receive collateral-free business loans of up to ₹5 lakh to start new self-employment ventures or expand existing businesses, along with free training for modern business activities.

**Key Benefits and Financial Assistance of the Scheme**
The Lakhpati Didi Yojana offers various concessions and facilities to women and their Self-Help Groups. Individual women entrepreneurs are provided collateral-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for a tenure of 5 years to establish ventures such as tailoring centers, grocery stores, dairy units, or other cottage industries.

**Interest Subsidy**
An interest subsidy (concession on interest) is provided for three years on individual loans of up to ₹1.5 lakh. At the SHG level, the government provides an interest subsidy to cover the gap between the bank's lending rate and 7% for loans up to ₹3 lakh. Additionally, women's SHGs can avail collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh from banks for their business projects. Women receive free training in activities such as drone operation, LED bulb manufacturing, organic farming, tailoring and embroidery, food processing, and digital banking services. Furthermore, SHG members holding Jan Dhan accounts can avail an overdraft (OD) facility of up to ₹5,000. Eligibility and Criteria
The woman must be a permanent resident of a rural area in any Indian state. The applicant must be between 18 and 50 years of age. Membership in an active women's Self-Help Group (SHG) in her village is mandatory; if no such group exists in the village, 10–12 women can come together to form a new SHG. The scheme primarily focuses on women from economically weaker sections and low-income rural households.

Required Documents
Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Proof of Residence
Income Certificate
Bank Account Passbook
Active Mobile Number
Passport-sized Color Photograph

How to Apply
Visit your nearest Gram Panchayat office, Block Development Office, or the local women's Self-Help Group (SHG). Inform the group office bearers (such as the 'Samuh Sakhi' or Block Mission Manager) about your business idea or skills. Obtain the 'Didi Yojana' application form, fill in the correct personal and SHG-related details, and attach the necessary documents. Submit the completed form through the Self-Help Group to the relevant regional bank (e.g., a nationalized or rural bank) for loan approval. Once the loan is sanctioned, the applicant is sent to a government training center for free training related to the specific livelihood activity.

For detailed guidelines and the latest updates regarding the scheme, you can also visit the government's official Lakhpati Didi Portal (https://lakhpatididi.gov.in/).

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