Why this matters now
DAY-NRLM and the SHG movement are tested as a flagship poverty-alleviation and women-empowerment scheme — central to grassroots livelihoods and financial inclusion.
What is DAY-NRLM?
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) (Ministry of Rural Development) mobilises rural poor women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations, providing financial inclusion, capacity-building, bank linkage (credit) and livelihood support. Its urban counterpart is the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – NULM.
Key features
- SHG mobilisation and women’s collectives (community institutions);
- Revolving funds and bank credit at affordable rates;
- Skill training and diversified livelihoods (farm and non-farm);
- The Lakhpati Didi goal — enabling SHG women to earn ₹1 lakh+ a year.
Significance
The SHG movement under NRLM has empowered crores of rural women — boosting incomes, savings, dignity and social capital, and showing strength during crises. Challenges: uneven group quality, credit absorption, market linkages, and sustaining higher-order livelihoods.
UPSC angle
Know DAY-NRLM (rural, SHGs, women, bank linkage) and DAY-NULM (urban), the Lakhpati Didi goal, and the SHG movement’s role in empowerment and financial inclusion.
Frequently asked questions
What is DAY-NRLM?
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission, which organises the rural poor (especially women) into SHGs for sustainable livelihoods.
What is the role of Self-Help Groups?
SHGs pool savings, access bank credit and undertake collective livelihood activities, empowering rural women.
What is the Lakhpati Didi goal?
A target to enable SHG women to earn at least ₹1 lakh per year.
What is the urban version of NRLM?
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).