The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at alleviating poverty by enhancing livelihood opportunities for the urban and rural poor. By focusing on skill development and financial inclusion, DAY seeks to empower economically disadvantaged sections to become self-reliant and improve their quality of life.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana
Launched in 2011 and restructured in 2015, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana encompasses two major components:
- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM): Focuses on reducing rural poverty by promoting self-employment and skill development among the rural poor.
- National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM): Aims to reduce urban poverty by enhancing employment opportunities through skill training and financial support.
The mission emphasizes organizing the poor into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations, facilitating access to credit, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Financial Assistance: The scheme provides financial aid ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 to SHGs and individual beneficiaries to initiate or expand income-generating activities.
- Skill Development: Beneficiaries receive training to enhance their skills, making them employable or capable of starting their own enterprises.
- Support for Street Vendors: Over 16 lakh street vendors have been issued identity cards, ensuring their recognition and access to various benefits.
- Shelter for Urban Homeless: More than 1,000 shelters have been constructed to provide safe accommodation for the urban homeless.
- Housing for the Poor: Approximately 60,000 houses have been allotted to economically weaker sections under the scheme.
- Women Empowerment: Special focus is given to women’s SHGs, promoting their active participation in economic activities and decision-making processes.
Implementation and Progress
The scheme is implemented nationwide, covering all states and union territories. As of December 2024, over 10 crore rural households have been mobilized into more than 90 lakh SHGs under DAY-NRLM.
These groups have collectively accessed substantial bank credit to undertake various income-generating activities, contributing significantly to poverty alleviation.
The Ministry of Rural Development oversees the implementation, with dedicated mission management units established at state, district, and block levels to ensure effective execution and monitoring.
| Component | Financial Assistance | Beneficiaries | Training Provided | Shelters Constructed | Houses Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRLM | ₹10,000–₹50,000 | Rural Poor | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| NULM | ₹10,000–₹50,000 | Urban Poor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Street Vendors Support | Identity Cards | 16 Lakh Vendors | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| Shelter for Homeless | N/A | Urban Homeless | N/A | 1,000+ | N/A |
| Women SHGs Empowerment | ₹10,000–₹50,000 | Women SHGs | Yes | N/A | N/A |
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana has made significant strides in empowering the poor by providing financial assistance, skill development, and necessary infrastructure. By fostering self-reliance and enhancing livelihood opportunities, the scheme contributes to the holistic development of economically weaker sections across the country.
FAQs
What is the primary objective of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana?
The primary objective is to reduce poverty by enabling poor households to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities, resulting in sustainable improvement in their livelihoods.
Who are the main beneficiaries of this scheme?
The scheme targets economically disadvantaged individuals in both rural and urban areas, with a special focus on women, street vendors, and the homeless.
How can one apply for benefits under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana?
Interested individuals can apply through the official website or visit the nearest mission management unit or designated centers for assistance with the application process.
What types of training are provided under this scheme?
The scheme offers various skill development programs tailored to local needs, including vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and capacity-building workshops.
Is there any provision for financial assistance to start a new business?
Yes, the scheme provides financial assistance ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 to eligible beneficiaries to start or expand income-generating activities.
