Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said expanding access to financial services is helping women across India gain economic independence and play a larger role in the country’s growth.
Marking International Women’s Day, Sitharaman said government initiatives such as Jan Dhan bank accounts and the rise of rural entrepreneurs known as “Lakhpati Didis” are strengthening the financial position of women and transforming communities. In a post on social media platform X, the finance minister said access to banking services has been a major step toward empowering women across the country.
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"When women gain financial access, they gain independence. Women now hold over 28 crore Jan Dhan accounts, bringing financial services to households across India and strengthening their financial independence," Sitharaman wrote.
Rise of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in rural India
Sitharaman also highlighted the growing number of women earning sustainable incomes through self-help groups and local entrepreneurship initiatives.
According to the finance minister, more than three crore women across rural India have crossed an annual income of ₹1 lakh, earning the title "Lakhpati Didi". "Women are not just participants in the economy, they are wealth creators," Sitharaman said.
"With over 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’, women across rural India are transforming livelihoods, uplifting families and strengthening the rural economy," she added. The term “Lakhpati Didi” is used to describe rural women who achieve an annual income of at least ₹1 lakh through activities supported by self-help groups and government-backed livelihood programmes.
Leaders highlight role of ‘Nari Shakti’
Union Minister Piyush Goyal also marked the occasion by acknowledging the contribution of women to the country’s development.
In a message on X, Goyal said “Nari Shakti” remains central to building a stronger India and that empowering women is essential for long-term growth.
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He said women are contributing to the country’s progress across several sectors, including entrepreneurship, science, sports, defence and rural development.
Goyal added that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has focused on expanding opportunities for women and strengthening their participation in the economy. As the country marked International Women’s Day, he called for continued efforts to support women’s aspirations and ensure greater participation in shaping India’s future
