The Ministry of Rural Development’s DAY-NRLM initiative has mobilised over 10.04 crore women into more than 90.76 lakh self-help groups. This remarkable achievement was highlighted by Shri Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, Ministry of Rural Development, at the Reimagining Poverty Alleviation in India roundtable, organised by the Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) South Asia in New Delhi.
Minister underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to tackling the twin challenges of climate change and poverty by promoting inclusive livelihoods. He emphasised the necessity of multi-stakeholder collaborations to reach the most marginalised populations and realise the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. “No one should be left behind,” he asserted, highlighting the urgency of addressing the unique challenges faced by poor women, which can vary significantly across different states. He stressed the importance of leveraging local community knowledge to identify and address these challenges effectively.
DAY-NRLM’s approach includes promoting financial inclusion, digital literacy, sustainable livelihoods, and social development interventions, providing a holistic and inclusive pathway to livelihood development for women. Minister praised the initiative’s innovative partnerships, which have been crucial in reaching people at the last mile to end poverty. “If we work together, we can make a significant difference,” he said.
These projects are designed to put rural women on the path to self-sufficiency, with states customising the programmes based on their priority areas. Efforts are also being made to integrate poor households into other social protection programmes. The need for scientific evidence, data, and technology to tackle the multidimensional nature of poverty was stressed, advocating for a broader understanding beyond the traditional definition of monetary poverty. The Graduation Approach, developed by NGO BRAC, is one of the most rigorously tested social protection programmes globally. Seven randomised evaluations by researchers affiliated with J-PAL and Innovations for Poverty Action have confirmed its effectiveness in lifting poor households out of poverty. The approach has reached over 3 million households across 15 countries.
Nobel Laureate, who has studied the effects of the Graduation Approach for nearly two decades, shared his insights at the roundtable. He emphasised that once given a chance, the poorest individuals can take charge of their lives and progress significantly. The roundtable saw participation from representatives of the Ministry of Rural Development, JEEViKA, BRAC, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, World Bank, and The/Nudge Institute, among others. The discussions reinforced the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and innovative approaches in achieving sustainable poverty alleviation and empowering women at the grassroots level.
