The Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) is embarking on a new initiative in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta, aiming to elevate 250 women-led enterprises into ‘Crorepati Didis,’ which signifies a significant step towards women’s economic empowerment in the state. TRLM Chief Executive Officer Tarit Kanti Chakma announced that the project will involve a Rs 10.60 crore incubation program, spread over three years, offering both technical and strategic support from IIM Calcutta. The goal is to nurture and expand individual and group enterprises run by rural women, helping them achieve revenues in the crore range.
Chakma mentioned that the original plan was to create 150 Crorepati Didis, but in response to the Ministry of Rural Development’s advice, that target has been raised to 250, acknowledging the strong progress Tripura has made in empowering women through Self Help Groups (SHGs). Currently, more than 4.68 lakh households in Tripura are connected with 54,263 SHGs. Of these, 1.08 lakh women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ earning over one lakh rupees annually from SHG-based businesses. Some SHGs are generating annual revenues above Rs 40 lakh, significantly reshaping the rural economy.
TRLM plans to soon invite applications from interested women entrepreneurs via local newspaper advertisements. Applications will be assessed by IIM Calcutta, which will select women with high potential for the program. Those already managing SHG enterprises with an annual turnover of Rs 5 lakh or more will be prioritized, although non-SHG members can also apply.
Selected women will receive training for capacity building, business development planning, access to credit, and market support. TRLM will establish special incubator cells at district and block levels to ensure close monitoring and mentorship during the incubation phase. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TRLM and IIM Calcutta will be signed soon to formalize this partnership. IIM Calcutta has successfully executed similar initiatives for women entrepreneurs in West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar.
The project is seen as transformative for rural women’s livelihoods in Tripura, promoting self-reliance and serving as a model for other states in the Northeast. Chakma noted that the central government selected Tripura for this initiative due to its proven track record in effectively implementing government schemes and advancing rural women’s entrepreneurship.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/tripura/story/tripura-ties-up-with-iim-calcutta-to-create-250-crorepati-didis-1302736-2025-11-12?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-11-12 12:11:00
