Odisha Launches Rs 10 Lakh Interest-Free Loans to Empower ‘Lakhpati Didis’

(OT Webdesk)In a bold move to elevate women’s financial independence, the Odisha government has announced Rs 10 lakh interest-free loans for members of women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative.

The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also heads the Women and Child Development department.

This initiative, aligned with the Union Government’s broader mission to boost women-led entrepreneurship, aims to transform financially stable “Lakhpati Didis” into “Crorepati Didis.” The loans will provide capital support without interest, enabling women to scale income-generating activities across rural Odisha.

Beneficiaries will be required to submit utilisation reports, and successful ventures will be showcased on the Subhadra portal to inspire replication and innovation.

The scheme is expected to redefine grassroots economic opportunities and foster inclusive development.