India’s Women SHG Schemes 2025 are not just development programs—they’re engines of grassroots empowerment. With a vision to transform rural women into entrepreneurs, agri-tech operators, and economic leaders, two flagship schemes are leading the charge: Lakhpati Didi Yojana and Drone Didi Yojana.
Let’s dive into these revolutionary programs, their impact, and how to apply.
What Are Women SHG Schemes 2025?
Launched under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) by the Ministry of Rural Development, these schemes are designed to boost rural women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with skill-building, credit access, technology integration, and market linkages.
Two star initiatives:
- Lakhpati Didi Yojana – Income-based entrepreneurship
- Drone Didi Yojana – Women in agri-tech and drone services
Lakhpati Didi Yojana – ₹1 Lakh Income for SHG Women
This scheme empowers rural women to become financially independent by starting micro-enterprises that generate a minimum annual income of ₹1 lakh.
Key Benefits:
- Skill training in tailoring, dairy, poultry, handicrafts, food processing, etc.
- Credit linkage with banks and microfinance
- SHG bookkeeping via mobile apps & UPI
- Market access through ONDC and GeM platforms
Goal: Empower 3 crore women to become Lakhpati Didis by 2026
Progress in 2025:
- Over 1 crore women trained across 28+ states
- Monthly income: ₹9,000 to ₹12,000
- Market-ready packaging, branding, and QR-based tracking introduced
Real Story: Lalita Devi from Bihar used her SHG training to launch a dairy cooperative. Today, she earns ₹1.2 lakh/year, supplying milk to multiple blocks.
Drone Didi Yojana – SHG Women as Drone Operators
A first-of-its-kind initiative, Drone Didi trains women in rural India to become certified drone pilots—helping them offer agricultural drone services as a paid livelihood.
Services Offered:
- Aerial spraying of fertilizers and pesticides
- Crop health monitoring and yield mapping
- Drone rental services for local farmers
Impact So Far:
- 18,000+ women trained via ICAR-KVK certified programs
- 3,200 SHGs now offering drone-based services
- Daily income potential: ₹1,000–₹2,000
Real Story: Rekha from Haryana now earns ₹45,000/month operating drones for sugarcane farmers—becoming her village’s first female drone entrepreneur.
Shared Goals of Women SHG Schemes 2025
Who Can Apply?
- Women between 18 to 60 years of age
- Member of an active Self-Help Group (SHG)
- Willing to attend govt-approved training sessions
- Residing in a rural or semi-rural location
Apply via your Panchayat office, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Process
Lakhpati Didi Yojana
- Contact your SHG cluster leader or Block Development Officer (BDO)
- Submit ID proof, bank details, and SHG membership info
- Attend skill development sessions
- Launch your business with credit linkage and SHG support
Drone Didi Yojana
- Visit your local KVK or State Agriculture Department
- Register for ICAR-certified drone pilot training
- Complete certification and receive subsidized drone
- Offer rental or spraying services to local farmers
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card (linked with mobile)
- Bank account details (preferably Jan Dhan)
- SHG membership or registration proof
- Land or residence proof
- Caste/income certificate (if applicable)
- ABHA ID (optional – for digital health integration)
FAQs – Women SHG Schemes 2025
Q1. Are the schemes fully free for SHG women?
Yes. Training, drones, kits, and tech support are subsidized or fully sponsored by NRLM/Agri departments.
Q2. Do I need to be literate to apply?
No. All training is practical and visual. No formal education is required.
Q3. Is drone training safe and recognized?
Yes. It is ICAR-approved and conducted under strict safety protocols at certified centers
Q4. What is the earning potential from these schemes?
Income ranges from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per month—higher in case of drone operations or food businesses.