Impact of National Rural Livelihood Mission on rural households in Punjab
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Date
2023
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Punjab Agricultural University
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the functioning and assess the impact of the National Rural Livelihood Mission on rural households in Punjab state. The study's methodology focused on Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their Federations formed under NRLM in Punjab. Two Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) were randomly sampled, and from each CLF, two Village Level Organizations (VLOs) were selected. Within each VLO, five Self Help Groups (SHGs) were chosen, and out of these, five members each were selected making a total sample of 80 households. The reference year of the study was 2022-23. The study's results showed that Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) and Village Level Organizations (VLOs) play a pivotal role in mobilizing households into Self Help Groups (SHGs) under NRLM. These intermediaries facilitate access to credit, provide training programs, and nurture an environment conducive to entrepreneurship. Training initiatives cater to diverse needs, leading to skill development, attitudinal shifts, and socio-economic empowerment. Moreover, SHG engagement induces significant positive changes in income, savings behaviour, asset ownership, and spending patterns. Employment opportunities expand notably, and formal borrowing practices evolve, reflecting improved financial dynamics. Participation in SHGs initiates transformative outcomes, elevating members to higher income brackets and decreasing the proportion of those without income from 40.00 per cent to 25.00 per cent. Notably, 81.25 per cent adopt regular savings, increasing average savings per member from Rs. 525 to Rs. 1920. Material asset ownership advances, including house ownership (11.76% rise), television ownership (12.50% increase), and motorcycle ownership (31.37% surge). Diverse economic engagements expand, e.g., dairy activities grow from 28.75 per cent to 35.00 per cent. Non-farm sector employment surges by 197.89 per cent, leading to 73.71 per cent overall man-day increase. Spending behaviours shifted post-SHG engagement, with increased allocations for essential items like food grains (22.75%), fuel (46.88%), clothing (38.84%), and medical expenses (58.87%), enhancing financial well-being. Major challenges faced in implementation includes inadequate financing and infrastructure, limited market access, insufficient localized training, and family cooperation gaps. The study underscores government scheme convergence, customized training, enhanced financial empowerment, market access, and localized interventions fostering community empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. Tailored approaches and collaboration ensure enduring positive impacts, promoting holistic development and economic inclusivity.
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Citation
Sukhvir Singh (2023). Impact of National Rural Livelihood Mission on rural households in Punjab (Unpublished M.Sc. thesis). Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.