Why in news?
The Ministry of Rural Development has expanded the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) by approving additional funds for self‑help groups and launching e‑commerce platforms for marketing rural products. These steps aim to empower women and marginal farmers amid economic recovery after the pandemic.
Background
Launched in 2011 and renamed the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – NRLM in 2016, the mission is one of India’s flagship poverty alleviation programmes. It seeks to reduce rural poverty by enabling poor households to access gainful self‑employment and skilled wage employment through a universal approach to social mobilisation. The mission emphasises women‑led self‑help groups, community institutions and financial inclusion.
Core components
- Social mobilisation and institution building: NRLM helps poor households form self‑help groups (SHGs) and federations, providing them with training in savings, credit management and governance.
- Financial inclusion: The mission links SHGs to banks through programmes like SHG‑Bank Linkage, enabling members to access credit for livelihoods. Initiatives such as the Aajeevika microfinance programme promote affordable interest rates.
- Livelihood promotion: NRLM supports diversified farm and non‑farm activities, such as poultry, dairy, handicrafts, handlooms and agro‑processing. Technical support, marketing assistance and skill training help groups move up the value chain.
- Skill development: The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU‑GKY), a sub‑scheme of NRLM, offers youth training in trades ranging from hospitality to electronics, linking them to employment.
Recent initiatives
- Digital platforms: State missions have launched online marketplaces like e‑Sanjeevini and Home Shop to promote products made by SHGs, expanding their reach beyond local markets.
- Credit enhancement: Revolving funds and Community Investment Funds are being expanded to increase the capital available to women’s collectives.
- Convergence: NRLM works closely with other schemes, including MGNREGA for asset creation, PM Fasal Bima Yojana for crop insurance and Jal Jeevan Mission for water security.
Significance
- Women empowerment: By placing women at the centre of decision‑making and encouraging collective enterprise, NRLM has improved incomes and social status for millions of rural women.
- Poverty reduction: Access to credit and livelihood opportunities helps households escape poverty traps and reduces distress migration.
- Financial literacy: Training in budgeting and banking strengthens financial management at the household level.
Conclusion
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana is a cornerstone of India’s efforts to build resilient rural communities. Its focus on women’s collectives, skills and financial inclusion makes it a powerful tool for inclusive development.