Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has urged banks to extend stronger financial support to women entrepreneurs, setting an ambitious target of increasing the number of Manipur Lakhpati Didis from the current 26,000 to one lakh by 2029. He announced the goal on October 27 while inaugurating the 18th Saras Aajeevika Mela 2026 at the City Convention Centre in Imphal.
The Chief Minister emphasised that cooperation from banking institutions would be essential to strengthen Self-Help Groups (SHGs), expand women-led businesses and create sustainable livelihood opportunities across the state. The initiative is expected to support women’s economic independence while encouraging rural entrepreneurship.
Manipur Lakhpati Didis Target Highlights Women’s Economic Empowerment
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh said Manipur currently has around 26,000 Lakhpati Didis, with the government aiming to raise the figure to one lakh by 2029. He stressed that the target could be achieved only through the active support and intervention of banks.
The Lakhpati Didi initiative, launched by the Centre, seeks to help women belonging to Self-Help Groups earn an annual household income of at least Rs 1 lakh through sustainable livelihood activities and income-generating enterprises.
Access to timely credit, banking assistance and opportunities to expand businesses can help women invest in their enterprises, increase production and improve household earnings. The Chief Minister’s appeal placed financial institutions at the centre of the state’s efforts to expand women’s entrepreneurship.
Manipur SHGs Record Lower Loan Default Rate
Highlighting the financial performance of Self-Help Groups, Khemchand Singh said the average loan default rate among SHGs across India stands at around 5 per cent, while Manipur has recorded a significantly lower rate of 2 per cent.
The figures, cited by the Chief Minister, underline the importance of strengthening the relationship between banks and women’s groups. Better repayment performance could help build confidence among financial institutions and encourage continued lending to eligible SHGs and their members.
The Chief Minister said banking support was important not only for establishing new enterprises but also for ensuring that existing women-led businesses could continue operating and generating income.
Financial assistance, combined with business development support and access to markets, can help women entrepreneurs turn small livelihood activities into more sustainable sources of income.
Saras Aajeevika Mela Creates Market Opportunities
The 18th Saras Aajeevika Mela 2026 began on October 27 and will continue until November 6 at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. The event features more than 100 stalls showcasing products made by women members of Self-Help Groups.
The fair provides participating entrepreneurs with an opportunity to display and sell their products, interact directly with customers and explore wider commercial opportunities. It also helps bring locally produced goods to potential buyers beyond their immediate communities.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen attended the inaugural programme through video conferencing. She described the Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society (SARAS) initiative as a flagship market-promotion programme under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
She highlighted the role of SARAS fairs in helping SHGs promote their products, connect with customers and explore opportunities to expand their businesses.
Women Entrepreneurs Build on Manipur’s Economic Legacy
During the programme, Khemchand Singh highlighted women’s longstanding contributions to Manipur’s social, political and economic life. He recalled the Nupi Lal movements against British colonial rule and recognised women’s continuing role in the state’s development.
He also referred to Imphal’s Ima Market, which is run exclusively by women and serves as a prominent example of women’s participation in trade. The market provides livelihoods through the sale of essential commodities and a wide range of other products.
Commissioner of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Sumant Singh said research on women’s participation in micro, small and medium enterprises had placed Manipur first in terms of women-owned businesses.
He added that events such as the Saras Aajeevika Mela could improve the incomes of SHG members by encouraging rural entrepreneurship, strengthening market connections and promoting product innovation.
The Chief Minister also commended the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) for its work in supporting rural livelihoods and developing women-led enterprises.
Banking Support Remains Crucial to the 2029 Goal
An interactive session was held during the event, allowing Lakhpati Didis to share their experiences and acknowledge the assistance provided by MSRLM in developing their businesses and sustaining their livelihoods. The Chief Minister later inspected the stalls displaying products made by SHG members.
The programme was attended by representatives from NABARD, commercial banks, government departments, the State Mission Directorate of MSRLM and women’s Self-Help Groups.
Reaching one lakh Lakhpati Didis by 2029 will require sustained cooperation between the state government, banks, livelihood missions and market-promotion initiatives. Easier access to credit, stronger market linkages and continued enterprise support will be important to achieving that ambition.
With 26,000 women already meeting the initiative’s income benchmark, Manipur’s next challenge is to expand these opportunities to more households. The Chief Minister’s appeal signals that banking partnerships and support for women-led businesses will be central to the state’s push for broader economic empowerment.
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