Odisha: 26.59 Lakh Women Become Lakhpati Didis Under Livelihood Mission

Over 26.59 lakh women in Odisha have become Lakhpati Didis under the Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM). The number was shared at the mission's 5th Governing Committee meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg.

Garg asked officials to help successful Self-Help Groups (SHGs) grow into small and medium enterprises. She wanted high-performing SHGs and SMEs benchmarked as models for other community groups. She also directed that livelihood work get priority in Gramoday and PM-JANMAN areas, with regular monitoring and progress reviews.

The committee reviewed decisions from the 4th Governing Committee meeting held on 10 September 2025, updates from the 6th Executive Committee and the registration status of Gram Panchayat Level Federations. Dr. Monika Priyadarshini, State Mission Director and CEO of Mission Shakti, shared OLM's progress. Over 50 lakh members (84%) work in farm-based livelihoods, more than 2 lakh in services and 2.30 lakh in non-farm and other enterprises. Average bank loan size for SHGs rose from ₹4 lakh in 2024 to ₹5.96 lakh in 2026. Total credit support of ₹75,116 crore has gone to 5.95 lakh SHGs, and ₹7,997 crore to 1.70 lakh individual and group entrepreneurs.

Under safety support for SHG members, the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana reached 96% of its annual target of 37 lakh registrations for 2026-27. The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana reached 97% of its annual target of 47.26 lakh registrations.