The DAY NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission) plays a crucial role in harnessing social capital to empower women at the grassroots level in India. By fostering community networks, promoting self-help groups, and providing skill development, it enhances the social fabric, enabling women to actively participate in economic activities and decision-making processes within their communities.
The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) in India was launched in June 2011. It aims to alleviate rural poverty by promoting sustainable livelihoods, enhancing income opportunities, and empowering rural communities, especially women. NRLM builds on the experience of the earlier Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) and focuses on promoting self-help groups (SHGs) as a key strategy for community development.
The mission operates at the national, state, and district levels, implementing a bottom-up approach to empower the rural poor. It provides financial support, capacity building, and social mobilization to help marginalized communities improve their economic and social conditions. NRLM is aligned with the broader objectives of poverty reduction and inclusive growth in rural India.
From the prespective of social Capital NRLM envisages Social Universal Social Mobilization- engaging and mobilizing the entire Rural community of marginalized groups and women. To ensure widespread participation Participartiory identification of poor technique is used, prioritizing the poorest households and communities to address the root causes of poverty and vulnerability.
Intensive implementation in identified high-poverty blocks to achieve comprehensive impact has received momentum in last few years. NRLM also promotes Coordinating efforts with other development programs,line departments and agencies to maximize resources .10 Sutra model envisages holistict development of the SHG lifecycle.
Emerging Concepts in NRLM
Harnessing social capital and vibrant social structure Data Base NRLM has successfully callobrated with other government programs to consolidate the ambit of agenda with most of the strategies focusing on utising SHG services. Intensive community oriented intervention launched by line Departmnets/programs include Krishi Sakh’s /Pashu Sakhi’s, Van Sakhi’s, DG Pay Sakh’s,BC Sakhi’s,A HELP (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme ) are among few among others.
Promotion of Convergence Models and UMEED SEWAYEIN – UMEED NRLM IN THE SERVICE SECTOR
In a recent high level meeting chaired Commissioner Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj JK UT focus was on convergence of JKRLM with various line departments and PRI is imperative to ensure effective asset creation and sustainable livelihoods for the communities. She appreciated the significant efforts of JKRLM to foster collaboration for the betterment of rural livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mission Director JKRLM, mission aims to expand the presence of Model Cluster Level Federations (MCLFs) in each block, which would serve as proof of evidence and peer learning platforms on various thematic areas. Additionally, she stated that a knowledge management cell would be established to facilitate the active involvement of the cadre in creating thematic audio-visual modules.
The mission also plans to undertake data capturing exercises and establish Village Poverty Reduction Plans (VPRPs) through SHGs and other vulnerable sections of the community. Moreover, the mission plans to launch Umeed Sewayein, which will provide elder care services and sign language assistance. Additionally, counseling services will be offered to address emotional and psychological needs.
During the meeting, threadbare discussions were held over the establishment of a common auditors group, where SHG members could work as auditors for other organizations. Transforming Block Training Centers (BTC) into Community Managed Training Centers (CMTC) was also emphasized as a way to enhance knowledge dissemination and skill development in rural areas.
The NRLM leverages social capital effectively by fostering community engagement, building trust, and empowering individuals through Self-Help Groups (SHGs, which serve as platforms for social capital development. Members pool resources, share experiences, and support each other, creating a strong social network.
The mission actively involves communities in decision-making processes, promoting a sense of ownership. This engagement strengthens social ties and enhances the effectiveness of poverty reduction initiatives. This not only enhances their economic status but also contributes to social capital development within the community. By providing training and capacity-building programs, NRLM enhances the skills and capabilities of individuals within communities.
This, in turn, strengthens the social fabric as people become more capable contributors to local development. NRLM facilitates the exchange of knowledge and best practices among community members. This sharing of information strengthens social ties and enhances the overall effectiveness of livelihood initiatives. Through the promotion of microfinance and credit linkages, NRLM facilitates financial inclusion.
The mission aims to reduce social disparities and promotes inclusivity. By addressing issues related to caste, gender, and other social factors, NRLM contributes to the development of a more cohesive and harmonious community.In essence, NRLM recognizes the importance of social capital as a catalyst for sustainable development and poverty reduction, using it as a foundation for community-driven initiatives.