UPSC Prelims 2012 Q31: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
How does the National Rural Livelihood Mission seek to improve livelihood options of rural
poor?
1. By setting up a large number of new manufacturing industries and agribusiness centres in
rural areas
2. By strengthening ‘self - help groups’ and providing skill development
3. By supplying seeds, fertilizers, diesel pump - sets and micro - irrigation equipment free of cost to
farmers
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
Launched in 2011 (also called Aajeevika), by restructuring the Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. By setting up a large number of new manufacturing industries and agribusiness centres in rural areas | Incorrect | The mission does not set up industries |
| 2. By strengthening 'self-help groups' and providing skill development | Correct | Women's self-help groups are its core |
| 3. By supplying seeds, fertilizers, diesel pump-sets and micro-irrigation equipment free of cost to farmers | Incorrect | It gives no free inputs |
How NRLM works:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Target | At least one woman from each poor rural household in a self-help group |
| Support | Revolving fund, community investment fund, bank linkage |
| Skills | Placement-linked training (DDU-GKY) |
| Ministry | Rural Development |
| Renamed | Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - NRLM in 2015 |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. NRLM does not set up manufacturing industries.
- (b) CORRECT. NRLM strengthens self-help groups and provides skill development.
- (c) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 3 are both false.
- (d) Incorrect. Only statement 2 is true.
Key point
NRLM / Aajeevika (2011): women's self-help groups, bank linkage, skills; replaced SGSY; now DAY-NRLM under the Rural Development Ministry.
Remember
NRLM = women's self-help groups + skills.
Common mistakes
- Thinking NRLM gives free inputs to farmers.
- Confusing NRLM with MGNREGA, which gives wage work.
- Forgetting that it replaced the SGSY.
Exam tip
NRLM = self-help groups. It organises the poor; it does not hand out goods.
Sources
- Ministry of Rural Development — Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission
- Ministry of Rural Development — NRLM Framework for Implementation