The Ministry of Rural Development recently launched a national campaign under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), called “Sangathan Se Samridhhi– Leaving no Rural Woman Behind”. This campaign aims to mobilize a significant number of women from rural areas into Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
What is Sangathan Se Samridhhi Campaign?
A part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Samaveshi Vikaas, this campaign aims to mobilize 10 crore disadvantaged rural women who are unaware of the benefits of the DAY-NRLM program. Women will be organized into SHGs through various interventions including general body meetings, experience sharing, resource drives, and bank account creations among others.
The Need for the Campaign
India’s rural population forms a massive 65% of the total population, making it vital to provide opportunities that enable them to contribute significantly to the country’s economy. The inclusion of such a large number of women in SHGs can have a considerable impact on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Impacts of SHGs on Women Empowerment
Studies show that SHGs can foster economic empowerment by providing micro-loans to sustain businesses, creating an environment that nurtures decision-making skills, and encouraging savings. SHGs also offer several services such as entrepreneurial training, livelihood promotion, and community development to women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in skill development, allowing members to learn new skills and increasing their potential income. By providing a platform for women to share their experiences, SHGs also encourage social empowerment.
About Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission
Launched in 2011, this Centrally Sponsored Scheme is aimed at eliminating rural poverty by promoting multiple livelihoods and improving financial services access for rural households. Promoting self-help, it aims to mobilize rural households into SHGs, provide them with training, and grants access to financial resources.
Sub-Programs of DAY-NRLM
Sub-programmes of DAY-NRLM include Mahila Kisan Shashaktikaran Pariyojana, Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme, Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana, Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, and Rural Self Employment Institutes. Each of these initiatives serves unique purposes ranging from agro-ecology promotion, supporting rural entrepreneurs, providing rural transport services, building placement skills for rural youth and fostering self-employment.
Outcome of the Program
By July 2022, DAY-NRLM had connected 8.35 crore women through SHGs, with reduced Non-Performing Assets (NPA) at 2.5%. Furthermore, as of May 2021, there were 6.9 million SHGs across 7,83,389 villages in India with 75 million members, demonstrating the widespread impact of the initiative. The implementation of NRLM has enabled rural families to negotiate for better access to essential services such as education and healthcare, and has improved food security, school enrollment, and created an impact on gender-related issues.
Previous Year Questions on UPSC Civil Services Examination
In recent Civil Services Examinations, questions particularly revolved around the National Rural Livelihood Mission’s role in improving the livelihood options of the rural poor and the function of SHGs in developmental activities. The SHG Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), recognized as an effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment program, was also highlighted.
