The NERLP, a World Bank-funded project launched under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) in 2012, has revolutionized the standard of living in about 3,00,000 rural households across four North Eastern states – Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. This ₹683 crore multi-state initiative is carried out in 11 districts with the aim of improving rural livelihoods, focusing especially on women, unemployed youth, and the most disadvantaged groups.
Components of the NERLP
The project is approached through four main components: Social empowerment, Economic empowerment, Partnership development, and Project management. Each of these components plays a crucial role in achieving the specific objectives of the project.
Social Empowerment
The NERLP strives to create sustainable community institutions around Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Youth Groups of men and women (YG), and Community Development Groups (CDG). The goal is to develop an ecosystem where self-governance, bottom-up planning, and democratic functioning with transparency and accountability are the norm.
Economic Empowerment
One of the chief aims of the project is to increase economic and livelihood opportunities, thereby uplifting the quality of life for many rural households. By leveraging these opportunities, the project has enabled members of SHGs to pursue various livelihood activities, consequently increasing their family incomes considerably.
Partnership Development
Developing a cooperative relationship between community institutions is key to this project. By encouraging partnerships for natural resource management, microfinance, market linkages, and sectoral economic services, the project ensures a holistic approach to rural development.
Moreover, the project also collaborates with expert organizations, focusing on cluster development through value chain, thus integrating every aspect of the rural economy.
Project Management
The successful implementation of the project in 11 districts exemplifies the efficient project management skills of the NERLP team. Managing a multi-state project of this scale requires strategic planning, execution, and consistent evaluation to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved.
Documented Outcomes
| Outcome | Number |
|---|---|
| Trained boys and girls in various job skills | 10,462 |
| Employed trained individuals | 5,494 |
| Common economic assets created (Incl. Rural Infrastructure) | Approx. Rs.136 crores |
| Total population impacted | 18 lakh approx. |
The Transformation Brought By NERLP
One of the most significant outcomes of the NERLP is its impact on an estimated 18 lakh population. Its interventions have resulted in the creation of common economic assets, including rural infrastructure, valued at around total Rs. 136 crores.
Furthermore, it has directly contributed to developing the skills and employability of young men and women in the region. The project has provided vocational training to 10,462 boys and girls, out of which, 5,494 have managed to secure employment.
Additionally, various community-driven activities have been initiated by CDGs such as reclamation of wasteland, construction of check-dams, plantation, and horticulture projects, contributing to the overall economic productivity of the region.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the project has empowered women, who are now more knowledgeable, expressive, and display better leadership qualities, leading to a positive transformation in the rural societal structure.
