FM Nirmala Sitharaman Envisions ‘Lakhpati Didi’ in Every Village, Promotes Financial Empowerment in Bihar
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during her two-day visit to Bihar, emphasized the importance of empowering women through financial inclusion and government schemes. Speaking at the Credit Outreach Programme held at Lalit Karpoori Stadium in Madhubani district, she expressed her vision of creating a “Lakhpati Didi” in every village across the country. The initiative aims to empower women by providing financial support and training to Self Help Groups (SHGs), helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency.
At the event, loans totaling Rs 1,021 crore were distributed to promote employment, with beneficiaries receiving cheques for their loans. Sitharaman urged the people of Bihar to avail themselves of the various government schemes to enhance their livelihoods, emphasizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to the state’s development, especially in regions like Darbhanga and Madhubani.
“Through initiatives like the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, we aim to provide financial assistance and skill development opportunities to women, enabling them to become self-reliant,” Sitharaman stated. She added that empowering women is central to transforming rural economies.
During the event, Sitharaman also unveiled plans for a grand temple dedicated to Sita at her birthplace, a project designed to parallel the grandeur of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This announcement underscored the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
Additionally, Sitharaman visited various stalls showcasing Mithila paintings and other local entrepreneurial ventures. She praised the women behind these exhibits, including one who successfully operated a heavy drone camera, as an example of the region’s growing innovation and empowerment.
The event was attended by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and several prominent leaders. Sitharaman’s visit highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to support women’s empowerment, rural development, and financial inclusion, with a focus on fostering economic self-sufficiency and cultural entrepreneurship in Bihar.
