Empowering Rural Women Through DAY-NRLM
The Deendayal Antodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a significant initiative by the Ministry of Rural Development in India. Launched with the aim of alleviating rural poverty, this centrally sponsored scheme focuses on empowering rural women. By organizing them into Self Help Groups (SHGs), the program aims to enhance their income and improve their quality of life. The initiative has shown promising results, particularly through the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which encourages SHG members to achieve a sustainable income of at least one lakh rupees per year. This article explores the various aspects of DAY-NRLM, its impact, and the innovative schemes that support rural women.
Objectives and Implementation of DAY-NRLM
The primary objective of DAY-NRLM is to reduce rural poverty by promoting self-employment and income generation among the rural poor, especially women. The program is implemented across the country, excluding Delhi and Chandigarh. It focuses on organizing women into SHGs, which serve as a platform for financial inclusion and skill development. The government provides continuous support to these groups, helping them grow and thrive.
As of October 2024, over 10.05 crore women have been mobilized into approximately 90.87 lakh SHGs under this mission. The program is designed to be process-driven, offering various benefits such as Revolving Funds, Community Investment Funds, and Bank Linkage based on the eligibility and demands of the SHGs. This structured approach ensures that women not only gain financial independence but also improve their overall living standards.
The Lakhpati Didi initiative is a notable outcome of this program. It aims to transform SHG members into Lakhpatis, encouraging them to earn a minimum income of one lakh rupees annually. This initiative has been instrumental in changing the lives of many rural women, providing them with the means to support their families and contribute to their communities.
The NAMO Drone Didi Scheme
In a bid to further empower rural women, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has introduced the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme. This innovative initiative aims to provide drones to 15,000 SHG members from 2023 to 2026. The use of drones in agriculture can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency, allowing women to manage their farms more effectively.
During the year 2023-24, fertilizer companies distributed 503 drones to SHG members, marking the beginning of this transformative initiative. The state-wise distribution of drones is documented, showcasing the government’s commitment to integrating technology into rural livelihoods. By equipping women with modern tools, the scheme not only boosts agricultural productivity but also empowers them with new skills and knowledge.
The introduction of drones represents a significant shift in how rural women can approach farming. It opens up new avenues for income generation and enhances their role in the agricultural sector. As these women become adept at using drones, they can improve their farming practices, leading to better yields and increased income.
Impact Evaluation of DAY-NRLM
To assess the effectiveness of DAY-NRLM, the Ministry has commissioned various impact evaluation studies. One such study, conducted by the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) with support from the World Bank, highlights several key findings. The evaluation indicates a 19% increase in income among SHG members, a 20% decline in reliance on informal loans, and a 28% increase in savings.
Moreover, the study reveals improved labor force participation among women, with a 4% higher proportion of females reporting secondary occupations in treatment areas. Access to social schemes has also seen a significant increase, with treatment households availing 6.5% more schemes than before. These findings underscore the positive impact of DAY-NRLM on the financial independence and overall well-being of rural women.
The evaluation results not only validate the effectiveness of the program but also provide insights for future improvements. By understanding the challenges and successes faced by SHG members, the government can refine its strategies to better serve the needs of rural women.
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