New Delhi: Credit disbursed to women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has crossed Rs 11 lakh crore, the Ministry of Rural Development said on Tuesday, calling it a major milestone in rural financial empowerment.

The credit, facilitated through formal financial institutions, was made possible with the support of banking partners and is reflective of the Centre's focus on inclusive development and women's economic empowerment, the ministry said in a statement.

Launched with the aim of alleviating rural poverty, DAY-NRLM organises poor rural women into community institutions and supports them in accessing financial services and livelihood opportunities. SHGs have emerged as critical vehicles for credit delivery, enabling women to set up and scale income-generating enterprises, it added.

The ministry credited both banks and grassroots agents known as “Bank Sakhis” — SHG members who serve as banking facilitators — for the success. These women have supported transactions, loan documentation, financial literacy, and ensured timely repayments, contributing to a loan recovery rate of over 98 per cent.

Banks, under the priority sector lending mandate, have extended collateral-free loans, streamlined credit access, and promoted schemes like insurance and pensions among SHG members.

The ministry said the milestone was not just a financial statistic but a marker of grassroots transformation through initiatives such as the Lakhpati Didi scheme, fostering self-reliance and economic resilience among rural women.