Desk
Share
Of course, here is a detailed and clear comparison between the Jeevika Didi and Lakhpati Didi schemes, written in a natural and conversational style to help you understand which one might offer more benefits.In the effort to empower women across India, the government has launched several powerful schemes. Two of the most talked-about are Jeevika Didi and Lakhpati Didi. While both aim to make women financially independent, they work in very different ways.
So, to answer your question—"in which scheme do women get more benefit?"—let's first understand what each one does.
What is the Jeevika Didi Scheme? (The Strong Foundation)
Think of Jeevika as the strong foundation for a house. The Jeevika program, which started in Bihar and has become a model for the whole country, is all about building from the ground up.
Its main focus is creating Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in villages. A group of 10-20 women from the same locality come together, and this group becomes their first support system.
The benefits of being a Jeevika Didi are primarily about:
Financial Inclusion & Support: The SHG encourages women to save small amounts of money regularly. The group can then give out small loans (micro-credit) to its members for urgent needs, like a child's school fees, a medical emergency, or starting a tiny business.
Livelihood Training: Jeevika provides training in traditional and local businesses, such as goat rearing, poultry farming, creating handicrafts, or improving agriculture.
A Powerful Social Network: For many women, the SHG is the first time they have a support system outside their family. They gain confidence, learn to speak up, and solve community problems together.
Building a Credit History: By taking and repaying small loans, these women build a credit history, which allows them to eventually get bigger loans from banks.
In short, Jeevika gives women the first step on the ladder of financial independence. It's about community, basic financial stability, and building confidence.
What is the Lakhpati Didi Scheme? (The Ambitious Goal)
If Jeevika is the foundation, then Lakhpati Didi is the vision for building the first floor and beyond. This is a newer, nationwide scheme with a very clear and ambitious goal.
The name says it all: "Lakhpati" means a person who earns a lakh (₹1,00,000). The goal of this scheme is to provide women with the skills and support they need to have a sustainable annual income of at least ₹1 Lakh per year.
The benefits of the Lakhpati Didi scheme are focused on:
Advanced Skill Development: This scheme moves beyond basic livelihoods. It provides training in more modern, high-demand skills like plumbing, operating and repairing LED bulbs, and even flying drones for agricultural use (the "Drone Didi" initiative).
Promoting Entrepreneurship: It encourages women to think like business owners. The scheme helps them scale up their existing businesses, find new markets, and improve their branding and packaging.
Financial Literacy and Planning: It teaches women not just how to earn, but how to manage their money, save effectively, and invest for the future.
Access to Technology and Larger Markets: By providing tools like drones and helping with online sales, the scheme connects rural women to the modern economy.
In short, Lakhpati Didi is the next step. It aims to transform women from small savers and producers into successful, high-earning entrepreneurs.
The Verdict: Which Scheme Gives More Benefit?
Now for the main question. The truth is, one is not better than the other. They are designed for different stages of a woman's empowerment journey.
Think of it like learning to walk before you can run.
For a woman who is just starting out, with very little savings and limited financial knowledge, the Jeevika scheme offers far more immediate and essential benefits. It provides the community, the initial confidence, and the basic financial tools she needs to get on her feet.
For a woman who is already a part of an SHG (like a Jeevika Didi) and has a small, stable source of income, the Lakhpati Didi scheme offers the greater benefit. It gives her the opportunity to grow, to learn new skills, and to dramatically increase her income and achieve a higher level of financial freedom.
Conclusion:
The two schemes are not in competition; they are complementary and work together perfectly.
Jeevika creates the network of empowered women.
Lakhpati Didi provides the tools for these empowered women to achieve even greater success.
So, the "more beneficial" scheme entirely depends on a woman's current situation and her future aspirations. One provides the safety net and the start, while the other provides the wings to fly higher.
