Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Friday said the government wants to help women shift from debt-based livelihoods to owning their own enterprises as she presented Union Budget 2026-27. He said the proposal was made because of the success of the Lakhpati Didi programme.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman displayed the digital tablet encased in a traditional red ‘bahi-khata’ style pouch at Parliament Square. (PTI)Sitharaman also announced the launch of Self-Help Entrepreneurs or “Se Martis”, which will function as community-owned and run retail outlets by self-help entrepreneurs.
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“Self-help entrepreneurs will be set up as community-owned retail outlets within cluster-level federations through improved and innovative financing instruments”, he said.
What is Lakhpati Didi’s program?Run by the Ministry of Rural Development, the Lakhpati Didi program seeks to support rural women by helping self-help group members start small businesses and earn at least a stable income. ₹1 lakh per annum. The goal is to help them become financially independent.
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Under this programme, women are taught skills like plumbing, making LED bulbs and using and repairing drones.
The Union Budget 2026 has been unveiledIn his budget speech, Sitharaman said the proposals would directly benefit the country’s youth, women, farmers as well as public and private investment.
“Our first duty is to accelerate and sustain economic growth by increasing productivity and competitiveness and building resilience to volatile global dynamics,” he told parliament.
