Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM): A Comprehensive Guide

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) is one of the most significant initiatives launched by the Government of India to combat rural poverty. This mission seeks to empower the rural poor by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities and improved access to financial services. Originally launched as ‘Aajeevika – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)’ in 2011, it was rebranded as DAY-NRLM in 2015. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone in India’s rural development strategy.

Background and Evolution

The DAY-NRLM was introduced as an improved version of the earlier Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY). Recognizing the limitations of SGSY, the government revamped the scheme to create more robust, sustainable livelihood platforms. The mission is partially supported by the World Bank, ensuring that it has the financial and technical backing necessary to succeed.

Mission Statement

The core mission of DAY-NRLM is:

• “To reduce poverty by enabling poor households to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities, leading to an appreciable improvement in their livelihoods on a sustainable basis, through building strong grassroots institutions of the poor.”

Guiding Principles

The DAY-NRLM operates on several guiding principles that shape its strategy and implementation:

1. Inherent Capabilities of the Poor:
   • The mission is built on the belief that the poor have a strong desire to escape poverty and possess inherent capabilities to do so.
2. Social Mobilization and Strong Institutions:
   • To harness the innate abilities of the poor, social mobilization and the creation of strong, grassroots institutions are essential. This involves bringing together the poor into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and federations at various levels.
3. Dedicated and Sensitive Support Structure:
   • An external support structure that is both dedicated and sensitive is required to induce social mobilization, build institutions, and empower the poor.

Major Features of DAY-NRLM

The scheme has several key features designed to achieve its mission:

1. Universal Social Mobilization:
   • The mission aims to bring at least one woman from every rural poor household into the network of SHGs, with a particular focus on marginalized sections of society.
2. Participatory Identification of Poor (PIP):
   • The process of identifying beneficiaries is participatory, involving the community to ensure accuracy and inclusiveness.
3. Community Funds as Resources in Perpetuity:
   • Community funds are provided to strengthen the financial management capacity of the poor, ensuring long-term sustainability.
4. Financial Inclusion:
   • DAY-NRLM prioritizes enabling the rural poor to access a full range of financial services, including savings, credit, insurance, and remittance facilities.
5. Livelihoods:
   • The mission focuses on promoting and stabilizing existing livelihood structures of the poor through three main pillars:
     • Vulnerability Reduction & Livelihoods Enhancement: Expanding existing livelihoods and exploring new opportunities in both farm and non-farm sectors.
     • Employment: Building skills among the poor to enhance their employability.
     • Enterprises: Promoting self-employment by encouraging entrepreneurial ventures.

Convergence and Partnerships

DAY-NRLM places a high priority on convergence with other government schemes of the Ministry of Rural Development and seeks linkages with Panchayati Raj institutions. This approach ensures that the benefits of the mission are maximized and that rural development efforts are cohesive and comprehensive.

Sub-Schemes under DAY-NRLM

Several sub-schemes under DAY-NRLM have been launched to address specific aspects of rural livelihoods:

1. Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY):
   • Launched in 2017, AGEY aims to provide alternative sources of livelihood to SHG members by enabling them to operate public transport services in backward rural areas. This scheme offers affordable, safe, and community-monitored rural transport services, connecting remote villages with essential amenities like health, markets, and education.
2. Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP):
   • MKSP focuses on empowering women in agriculture by enhancing their participation, productivity, and access to services and inputs. The scheme also aims to ensure food and nutrition security in households and improve the managerial capabilities of women in rural areas.
3. Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP):
   • SVEP is designed to promote startups in rural areas, addressing the key challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs such as lack of knowledge, financial, and incubation ecosystems. SVEP aims to generate sustainable self-employment opportunities for rural youth, helping them engage effectively with the market and create wealth locally.
4. National Rural Livelihoods Project (NRLP):
   • The NRLP is a special initiative designed to create a ‘proof of concept’ for the NRLM framework and build capacities at the central and state levels, facilitating the transition of all states and UTs to the NRLM.

Recent Developments

In 2021, as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Rural Development launched 152 Centre for Financial Literacy & Service Delivery (SAKSHAM Centres) across 77 districts in 13 states under the DAY-NRLM. These centers are designed to provide financial literacy and facilitate the delivery of financial services to SHG members and the rural poor. Managed by the SHG network, SAKSHAM Centres serve as one-stop solutions for the basic financial needs of SHG households in rural areas.

Additionally, the Union Cabinet approved a special package worth Rs. 520 crore for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, under DAY-NRLM, for a period of five years (until the financial year 2023-24). This decision aligns with the government’s aim to universalize all centrally sponsored beneficiary-oriented schemes in these regions.

Conclusion

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) represents a comprehensive approach to rural development and poverty alleviation in India. By focusing on social mobilization, financial inclusion, and livelihood enhancement, the mission has empowered millions of rural poor households to improve their living standards. With its robust framework and innovative sub-schemes, DAY-NRLM continues to play a critical role in India’s rural development landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the Aajeevika scheme?

• Aajeevika – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) seeks to provide effective and efficient institutional platforms to enable the rural poor to increase their household income through sustainable livelihood enhancements and better access to financial services. The scheme was renamed the Deen Dayal Antyodaya – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

Q2: What is Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY)?

• AGEY is a sub-scheme under DAY-NRLM aimed at providing alternative sources of livelihood to SHG members by enabling them to operate public transport services in backward rural areas.

Q3: When was the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana launched?

• The Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana was launched in 2014.

Additional Resources

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
• Swachh Bharat Mission

Kickstart your UPSC 2023 preparation today with a deep dive into the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) and related government schemes!

 

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) is a flagship program by the Government of India aimed at uplifting the socio-economic status of the marginalized and underprivileged communities in the country. Launched in 2014, this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive development and ensuring that the benefits of growth reach the most disadvantaged sections of society.

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Key Objectives of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana

1. Poverty Alleviation: The primary goal of DAY is to eradicate poverty through the promotion of sustainable livelihood opportunities for the poor. It focuses on enhancing the economic and social status of marginalized communities by providing them with the necessary resources and support to improve their livelihoods.
2. Enhancing Rural Employment: The Yojana aims to create job opportunities and promote self-employment in rural areas. It supports the development of skills and capacities of rural youth and women, empowering them to start their own enterprises and contribute to local economic development.
3. Improving Social Infrastructure: DAY seeks to strengthen the social infrastructure in rural areas by improving access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation. This holistic approach ensures that poverty alleviation is accompanied by improvements in the overall quality of life.
4. Promoting Inclusive Growth: The scheme targets various vulnerable groups, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), women, and persons with disabilities. By focusing on these groups, the program aims to bridge the gap between different socio-economic segments and promote equitable growth.

Components of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana

1. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS): This component provides a legal guarantee for 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. It aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas and improve the standard of living for the poor.
2. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): NRHM focuses on improving healthcare services in rural areas by strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, enhancing the quality of care, and promoting preventive and curative health practices.
3. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA): This act ensures that every rural household has access to guaranteed employment opportunities. It empowers local communities to participate in the planning and execution of development projects, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.
4. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): PMGSY aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages, ensuring that rural areas have better access to markets, services, and opportunities for economic growth.

Implementation and Impact

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana is implemented through a decentralized approach, with states and local bodies playing a significant role in planning and executing the program. This ensures that the initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of the communities and have a greater impact.

The program has seen significant success in improving the livelihoods of the poor and marginalized. By focusing on skill development, employment generation, and social infrastructure, it has contributed to the overall socio-economic development of rural India. The emphasis on inclusive growth and poverty alleviation has helped millions of individuals achieve a better standard of living and enhanced their opportunities for a brighter future.

Conclusion

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana is a testament to the Government of India’s dedication to fostering inclusive development and empowering the marginalized communities. Through its comprehensive approach, the Yojana addresses multiple facets of poverty and provides a robust framework for sustainable development. As India continues to grow and evolve, programs like DAY play a crucial role in ensuring that progress is inclusive and that every citizen has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the nation’s development.

FAQs

1. What is the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana?

Answer: The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) is a government initiative aimed at improving the socio-economic status of marginalized communities in India by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities and improving their quality of life.

2. When was the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana launched?

Answer: The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana was launched in 2014.

3. What are the main objectives of DAY?

Answer: The main objectives of DAY are to alleviate poverty, enhance rural employment, improve social infrastructure, and promote inclusive growth for marginalized communities.

4. Which components are part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana?

Answer: The components include the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

5. What is the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS)?

Answer: NREGS is a component of DAY that provides a legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment per financial year to rural households whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work.

6. How does the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) contribute to DAY?

Answer: NRHM focuses on improving healthcare services in rural areas by strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and promoting preventive and curative health practices.

7. What is the role of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)?

Answer: NREGA ensures guaranteed employment opportunities for rural households, empowering local communities to participate in the planning and execution of development projects.

8. What does the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) aim to achieve?

Answer: PMGSY aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages, improving access to markets, services, and economic opportunities.

9. Who are the target beneficiaries of DAY?

Answer: The primary beneficiaries of DAY are marginalized and underprivileged communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), women, and persons with disabilities.

10. How is the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana implemented?

Answer: DAY is implemented through a decentralized approach with significant involvement of state and local bodies to ensure that the initiatives meet the specific needs of the communities.

11. What kind of job opportunities does DAY create?

Answer: DAY promotes self-employment and wage employment in rural areas, creating jobs through various development projects and skill development programs.

12. How does DAY support skill development?

Answer: DAY supports skill development by providing training and resources to rural youth and women, enabling them to start their own businesses or find employment.

13. What impact has DAY had on rural infrastructure?

Answer: DAY has contributed to the improvement of rural infrastructure by enhancing access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation, and by constructing roads and other critical facilities.

14. Can individuals apply for benefits under DAY directly?

Answer: Most benefits under DAY are administered through local government bodies and self-help groups. Individuals usually need to apply through these channels or through designated government offices.

15. Are there any specific schemes for women under DAY?

Answer: Yes, DAY includes specific provisions for empowering women through various programs, including self-employment initiatives and skill development opportunities.

16. How does DAY address caste-based discrimination?

Answer: DAY targets marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), to ensure they benefit from the program and work towards reducing caste-based disparities.

17. What is the role of local bodies in DAY?

Answer: Local bodies play a crucial role in the implementation of DAY by planning, executing, and monitoring projects to ensure they meet the needs of the community.

18. How can communities participate in DAY initiatives?

Answer: Communities can participate through local self-help groups, village development committees, and other community organizations involved in the planning and execution of DAY projects.

19. What are some success stories of DAY?

Answer: Success stories include improved livelihoods for rural families, enhanced access to education and healthcare, and better infrastructure in previously underserved areas.

20. Where can one find more information about Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana?

Answer: More information about DAY can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Rural Development, state government websites, and through local government offices.