Tribal Women in Gujarat Earn ₹35 Lakh via Lakhpati Didi Yojana

Quick summary

• 40 women from the tribal region of South Dang, gujarat, earned ₹35 lakh in FY 2023-24 by cultivating 8.5 lakh saplings under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana.
• The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national target of enabling 2 crore women to earn at least ₹1 lakh annually through self-employment.
• The South Dang Forest Division partnered with Self Help Groups (SHGs) to engage tribal women in nursery development and afforestation.
• Participants received technical training in sapling cultivation activities-such as seed sowing, watering, pruning, and fertiliser application-and financial literacy education for managing their earnings effectively.
• Payments are transferred directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts for transparency.
• The saplings raised are being utilized for afforestation projects that aim to restore forests and boost local biodiversity.
• Reported benefits include household financial stability and improved access to education for children. Officials are exploring replicating this model in other tribal areas.

Indian Opinion Analysis

the successful implementation of Lakhpati Didi Yojana in South Dang highlights its dual focus on socio-economic empowerment and environmental restoration. By integrating livelihood creation with afforestation efforts, this program demonstrates a holistic approach to rural development. Training women not only enhances their technical skills but also fosters independence through financial literacy-a key aspect of sustainable empowerment.

The transparent payment system ensures credibility while directly addressing economic disparities among tribal communities. Moreover, employing locally sourced personnel strengthens community involvement in environmental stewardship without external reliance. Scaling up such models could prove crucial for fostering inclusive economic growth across India’s remote tribal regions.While short-term gains like income stability and improved family welfare are evident, long-term ecological benefits make this initiative particularly noteworthy as an intersectional solution addressing both poverty alleviation and climate resilience.

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