How is the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRL Mission Empowering Rural India?
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Synopsis
Discover how the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) is transforming rural India by alleviating poverty and empowering women through innovative initiatives and robust support systems.
Key Takeaways
- DAY-NRLM aims to reduce rural poverty through self-employment.
- Mobilizes 10.05 crore households into SHGs.
- Supports 4.6 crore female farmers.
- Facilitates credit access for women SHGs.
- Focuses on sustainable livelihoods across various sectors.
New Delhi, Oct 23 (NationPress) The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a vital initiative aimed at eradicating poverty in rural India while also uplifting women, as stated by the government on Thursday.
This flagship programme, managed by the Ministry of Rural Development, focuses on reducing poverty by providing impoverished households with access to meaningful self-employment and skilled wage job opportunities, thereby creating sustainable and varied livelihood options for the underprivileged.
The mission mobilizes rural impoverished households into Self Help Groups (SHGs) and consistently nurtures and supports them in undertaking economic activities until they achieve a significant rise in their income.
Launched in 2016, the initiative has successfully mobilized 10.05 crore rural households into 90.9 lakh SHGs across India, according to an official statement from the government.
Moreover, it has provided support to 4.6 crore female farmers and 3.74 lakh enterprises through various entrepreneurship initiatives.
Other notable accomplishments include the deployment of 3.5 lakh Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis, the establishment of 6,000 integrated farming clusters, and the formation of 1.95 lakh producer groups, benefiting over 50 lakh rural women; 3.74 lakh enterprises have received support across 282 blocks.
Additionally, women-led SHGs have secured loans amounting to Rs 11 lakh crore since the fiscal year 2013-14, and 47,952 Bank Sakhis have been employed in bank branches to facilitate credit connections for the SHGs.
The mission also emphasizes sustainable livelihoods through agriculture, non-timber forest products, livestock, and non-farm enterprises.
“The DAY-NRLM has emerged as a cornerstone for rural poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment in India. It has significantly expanded access to formal credit, skills, and market opportunities, paving the way for sustainable livelihoods and financial stability,” the government remarked.
Through dedicated efforts in skill development, entrepreneurship, and alignment with essential government schemes, NRLM has diversified income sources and fortified the rural economy.
“Its comprehensive monitoring systems, strong SHG-bank linkages, and capacity-building strategies ensure transparency and accountability, making it a potent driver of inclusive growth and improved living standards in rural regions,” the government stated.
The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) was initiated in 2010 as a mission-mode scheme, restructuring the previous Swarnajayanti Grameen Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY).
In 2016, the programme was rebranded as the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM). This centrally sponsored scheme is jointly funded by the central and state governments and stands as one of the world’s largest initiatives focused on improving the livelihoods of the impoverished.
Furthermore, the mission actively works to empower SHG women through awareness campaigns and behavior change communication on critical issues such as domestic violence, women’s education, gender-related concerns, nutrition, sanitation, and health.
Point of View
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission represents a significant stride towards empowering the marginalized segments of society. By promoting self-help groups and facilitating access to essential resources, this initiative not only combats poverty but also enhances the socio-economic fabric of rural India, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive growth.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the DAY-NRLM?
The primary goal of the DAY-NRLM is to alleviate poverty in rural areas by providing poor households with opportunities for sustainable self-employment and skilled wage employment.
When was the DAY-NRLM launched?
The DAY-NRLM was launched in 2016, building upon the framework established by earlier initiatives.
How many households have been mobilized under DAY-NRLM?
So far, the mission has mobilized 10.05 crore rural households into 90.9 lakh Self Help Groups across India.
What support does the mission provide for women?
The mission supports women by providing them access to credit, skills training, and entrepreneurship opportunities, thereby promoting their empowerment.
What are some achievements of the DAY-NRLM?
Key achievements include the formation of 1.95 lakh producer groups, benefiting over 50 lakh rural women, and the deployment of 3.5 lakh Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis.
