In a key step towards the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and the ambitious Lakhpati Didi mission, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. This strategic collaboration aims to empower Self-Help Group (SHG) women through structured skilling, entrepreneurship development, and market-linked livelihood initiatives.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister of State Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Jayant Chaudhary. Senior officials including MoRD Secretary Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh and MSDE Secretary Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chouhan emphasized the transformative role of rural women in India’s economic landscape. “Under DAY-NRLM, over 10 crore women across 91 lakh SHGs are emerging as leaders and entrepreneurs. This partnership strengthens our goal of making three crore women ‘Lakhpati Didis’, and paves the way for creating ‘Millionaire Didis’ in the future,” he said.
Dr. Pemmasani termed the initiative a major milestone in building an inclusive and empowered rural India. Shri Jayant Chaudhary underlined the importance of aligning skilling infrastructure with rural aspirations, ensuring that every woman has the chance to grow, earn, and lead.
The MoU, effective for three years, establishes a Joint Review Committee to monitor progress quarterly. By combining MoRD’s grassroots mobilization and livelihood expertise with MSDE’s skilling infrastructure, the partnership aims to create sustainable rural enterprises and unlock the economic potential of women at the last mile.
Key Highlights of the MoU:
Customized training modules for SHG women in emerging economic sectors, including digital and financial literacy, market access, and regulatory compliance.
Training of Trainers (ToT) and SHG cadre skilling through institutions like JSS, RSETIs, NIESBUD, and NSTIs.
Formal skill certification via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).
Integration of SHG skilling into District Skill Development Plans (DSDPs) through District Skill Committees (DSCs).
Joint outreach efforts including livelihood fairs, awareness drives, and mentorship programs.
Additionally, the Ministers launched the new website of the Ministry and the redesigned Department of Rural Development portal. Developed under the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM), these platforms aim to deliver a unified and user-friendly digital experience for accessing rural development services and information.