Lakhpadi Didi Initiative
▪ The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed an MoU to strengthen the Lakhpati Didi initiative by empowering rural women from Self Help Groups (SHGs).
▪ A Lakhpati Didi is an SHG member earning Rs 1 lakh or more annually through sustainable
livelihood activities. It is an outcome of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development, not a separate scheme.
▪ It aims to empower rural women through sustainable income generation, promote diversified
livelihoods (agriculture, handicrafts, services, etc.), and transform SHG women into role
models of economic self-reliance.
▪ As of June 2024, 1 crore Lakhpati Didis have been created. The Interim Budget 2024–
25 raised the target from 2 crore to 3 crore women.
▪ Collaboration with government schemes such as Skill India, PM SVANidhi, and MGNREGA, and the private sector, ensures technical, financial, and institutional support to effectively scale up development efforts.
Amended BharatNet Program (ABP)
▪ Gujarat became the first state to implement the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) under a
state led model.
▪ The Union Cabinet approved the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) on 4th August 2023, to be funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN).
▪ DBN is a fund created to enhance the quality and reach of telecommunications services across India.
▪ It was introduced by the Government of India as a successor to the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
About BharatNet Program (ABP)
▪ The Government of India initiated the BharatNet project in October 2011 under the Ministry of Communications.
▪ This ambitious initiative seeks to deliver affordable high-speed internet connectivity to all Gram Panchayats across the country.
