The Uttar Pradesh government is set to give a new direction to women’s economic empowerment.
Following the success of the “Lakhpati Didi” scheme, the state government has now finalized the “Crorepati Didi” scheme. Under this ambitious scheme, the goal is to make at least 100 women crorepati in each district of the state. Women’s products will be specially branded and marketed not only in national but also international markets.
This information was given by Deputy Chief Minister and Rural Development Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya at a press conference here on Wednesday. He previously held a review meeting with Chief Development Officers (CDOs) from across the state.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Maurya said that the state government’s objective is to establish women as successful entrepreneurs, not just limit them to self-employment.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the government’s goal is to create 10 million women as “Lakhpati Didis” in the first phase. Subsequently, they will be further developed into “Crorepati Didis” through training, market access, financial assistance, and branding.
He stated that women associated with self-help groups under the National Rural Livelihood Mission are already capable and their products have immense potential.
Maurya stated that in the future, leveraging agreements with the European Union, products manufactured by women from self-help groups in UP will be exported to European markets. Special attention will be paid to product quality, packaging, and branding. He stated that as European markets open further to India, the products of the Didis from UP will gain recognition there.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that local products will be further promoted under the “One District, One Product” scheme. Additionally, special canteens will be established under the “One District, One Cuisine” concept, providing a market for local cuisine and creating new employment opportunities for women.
Maurya stated that solar power plants will be installed in 826 development blocks across the state. Charging stations and other necessary facilities will also be developed for women driving e-rickshaws, enabling them to become self-reliant and increase their income.
During the review meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister directed all District Development Officers (CDOs) to approve MLA fund proposals within 45 days. He also stated that Disha Committee meetings should be held on time, maintaining an annual calendar, to avoid delays in payments for development projects.
Maurya also highlighted the plan to build smart villages under the “Developed India @ 2047” resolution. He stated that solar energy, women entrepreneurship, branding of local products, and modern amenities in rural areas will strengthen the rural economy.
On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed deep condolences on the accidental death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the state government is fully committed to the economic independence and self-reliance of women. He said that only when the women of the village are empowered, the village, state and country will prosper.