DAY-NRLM is the Ministry of Rural Development's main initiative to help rural poor escape poverty. It focuses Read More... on building strong community groups, especially for women, and connecting them to financial services and livelihood opportunities. States can create their own plans to reduce poverty. Read less
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The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a key program by the Ministry of Rural Development. Its main aim is to reduce poverty in rural India.
DAY-NRLM works by building strong local institutions, particularly for women. These groups then get access to essential financial services and ways to earn a living. The program allows states to create their own poverty reduction strategies, making it a demand-driven approach. It's a revamped version of the older Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY), renamed DAY-NRLM on March 29, 2016.
The mission aims to reach about 7 crore rural poor households across the country over 8-10 years. It helps them build self-managed Self Help Groups (SHGs) and other community organizations. Beyond financial support, it helps the poor access their rights, entitlements, and public services, manage risks better, and improve their social standing.
The core goal is to reduce poverty by enabling poor households to find sustainable self-employment and skilled wage employment. This is achieved by fostering strong grassroots institutions led by the poor themselves.
DAY-NRLM is guided by core values such as:
The mission operates in a 'Mission Mode,' focusing on results, continuous skill development, and connecting the poor to job opportunities. States have the flexibility to design their own plans within the allocated budget based on poverty levels.
DAY-NRLM is crucial because it empowers the poor by giving them the tools, knowledge, skills, and financial support needed to participate effectively in the economy. By strengthening their institutions, it creates a sustainable pathway out of poverty and improves overall community well-being.
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Applications and support under DAY-NRLM are typically facilitated through local Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations. The process involves:
For specific livelihood and skill development programs under DAY-NRLM, such as Aajeevika Skills Development Programme (ASDP) or RSETI training, specific application procedures might be announced by the implementing agencies or through block/district level offices. Keep an eye on local announcements and Gram Panchayat notices.
While the process is community-driven, here are common documents you might be asked for when engaging with SHGs and applying for related benefits:
What's the main difference between NRLM and the old SGSY scheme?
The biggest change is that NRLM uses a 'demand-driven' approach instead of SGSY's 'allocation-based' strategy. This means states have more freedom to plan how they implement the program. Also, NRLM identifies beneficiaries using a community-driven process called Participatory Identification of Poor (PIP), unlike the BPL list used by SGSY.
How does DAY-NRLM help the poorest families?
DAY-NRLM prioritizes the poorest and most vulnerable. Special efforts are made to identify and include single women, woman-headed households, disabled persons, landless individuals, and migrant laborers. These groups receive focused support and attention to improve their livelihoods.
Can men also join the Self Help Groups (SHGs) under this mission?
While the mission primarily focuses on mobilizing women into SHGs as they are often seen as representatives of their households, it does include men in cases of very vulnerable groups like Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) or elders. Other parts of the mission, like skill development programs, are open to all rural poor.
What kind of support do SHGs receive from DAY-NRLM?
SHGs get support in various ways: knowledge and skills for managing their groups and finances, access to bank loans (bank linkages), insurance for members, and funds like the Revolving Fund and Community Investment Support Fund (CIF) to strengthen their operations and collective activities.
How are the poor identified for this mission?
The mission uses a method called Participatory Identification of Poor (PIP). In this process, community-based organizations (CBOs) themselves identify poor households in the village using participatory tools. This list is then verified by the Gram Sabha to ensure accuracy.
What are 'Institutions of Poor' (IoPs)?
IoPs refer to groups formed by the poor themselves, such as Self Help Groups (SHGs), and their federations at village and higher levels. These institutions are crucial for giving the poor a voice, resources, and empowering them to become self-sufficient and manage their own development.
What is the 'Panchasutra' that SHGs need to follow?
Panchasutra are the five key principles that SHGs follow: regular meetings, regular savings, regular internal lending among members, timely repayment of loans, and maintaining up-to-date records (bookkeeping).
Does DAY-NRLM offer training for young people?
Yes, the Aajeevika Skills Development Programme (ASDP) is part of the mission. It provides skill training to young people from poor rural households, upgrading their skills to help them find jobs in growing sectors of the economy. They also receive placement assistance and post-placement support.
Are there opportunities for starting one's own business under this scheme?
Absolutely! The mission promotes self-employment through Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs). These institutes provide training and help candidates secure bank loans to start their own ventures. DAY-NRLM also supports the costs of this training for RSETIs.
What is the role of the bookkeeper in an SHG?
The bookkeeper is a member chosen by the SHG to maintain all the group's financial records. They are trained in SHG bookkeeping and are responsible for managing various books like member passbooks, savings records, cash books, and loan ledgers. Accurate bookkeeping is vital for transparency and financial management.
How are existing SHGs treated under DAY-NRLM?
DAY-NRLM aims to strengthen all existing institutions of the poor, including SHGs formed by government efforts or NGOs. It works in a partnership mode, building upon what's already in place and mobilizing remaining poor households. New and existing institutions that meet DAY-NRLM standards are eligible for support like revolving funds and interest subventions.
What if an SHG was previously inactive? Can they still get help?
Yes, even old or inactive SHGs are eligible for credit if they manage to revive their operations and remain active for at least three months. This encourages groups to re-establish their commitment to the scheme's principles.
How does the scheme support farming and related activities?
The Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), a special program under NRLM, focuses on enhancing the capacities and incomes of women in agriculture and allied activities like livestock and Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP). It's a significant effort to recognize and support women's role in farming.