New Delhi: Sat Sharma, President, J&K BJP and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), raised an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha regarding the implementation and impact of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiatives in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, underscoring the transformative role of these schemes in empowering women at the grassroots level.
Replying to the question, Savitri Thakur, Minister of State in the Ministry of Women and Child Development, provided detailed information on the progress achieved under both schemes.
As per the reply, the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, being implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission, has led to remarkable financial empowerment of women across Jammu & Kashmir. Data up to December 31, 2025, shows a strong and encouraging rise in the number of women attaining ‘Lakhpati Didi’ status across districts, with Baramulla (19,030), Kupwara (17,978), Jammu (17,125), and Anantnag (16,761) emerging as leading contributors.
On the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme, the Minister informed that it is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare with an outlay of ₹1,261 crore from 2023–24 to 2025–26. The scheme enables Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to provide drone-based agricultural services, thereby opening new avenues of income and technical empowerment.
The Minister further highlighted that over 1,094 drones have been distributed nationwide, with SHG members receiving training through DGCA-authorised Remote Pilot Training Organizations. Studies have shown that the initiative has enhanced agricultural productivity, diversified income sources, and strengthened rural economies.
Speaking on the reply, Sat Sharma said that these figures are a clear testimony to the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi and the unwavering commitment of the Modi Government towards women-led development. He stated that the nation has witnessed a paradigm shift from women’s development to women-led development.
Sat Sharma remarked that the introduction of cutting-edge drone technology among rural women, from traditional livelihoods to modern technology-driven opportunities, the Modi Government is ensuring that our women are not left behind but are leading from the front. He said that the initiatives like ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and ‘Namo Drone Didi’ are not just schemes but powerful instruments of socio-economic transformation that are changing lives at the grassroots level, especially in regions like Jammu & Kashmir.
Sat Sharma, emphasising the holistic approach of the Modi Government, also pointed out that under DAY-NRLM, several initiatives such as the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) and enterprise development models are being implemented to promote non-farm livelihoods among women.
