DAY-NRLM FNHW Workshop Brings 16 States Together in Shillong
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) hosted a two-day regional workshop in Shillong on June 30 and July 1, 2025. Organized with Meghalaya’s SRLM, the event focused on women-led solutions for Food, Nutrition, Health, and WASH (FNHW).
Named “Sangathan, Swasthya, Samriddhi,” the workshop aimed to promote cross-learning among states and strengthen SHG-driven FNHW models.
Field Visits Show Local Innovation
On Day 1, participants visited villages in East Khasi Hills. They met SHG members and saw:
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SHG-run homes promoting safe childbirth
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Agri-Nutrition Gardens maintained by women
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Awareness drives like baby shower events
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Lakhpati Didis managing diverse income sources
These visits gave delegates real-time exposure to community health models in action.
Leadership Applauds SHG-Led Change
On Day 2, top officials launched purple uniforms for Community Gender and Health Activists (CGHAs).
Smt. Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary at MoRD, called them “warriors in purple capes.” She praised their role in improving maternal and child health.
Shri N.N. Sinha, Former Secretary, GoI, stressed the need to prioritize people over infrastructure. He highlighted SHGs’ role in behaviour change and last-mile service delivery.
States Share Inspiring Stories
From Assam to Kerala, many states shared unique SHG-led initiatives.
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Assam: Their Dasasutra model helped reduce child marriage by 88% and maternal deaths by 33%. They promoted breastfeeding corners and tobacco-free villages.
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Kerala: Kudumbashree showcased models like K4 Care and Saantwanam. These created jobs in eldercare and disability services.
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Meghalaya: The state reduced Severe Acute Malnutrition cases by 91% through community-run transit homes and local leadership.
SHGs Lead from the Front
Community Resource Persons (CRPs) shared how they:
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Promoted health through school programs and campaigns
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Built Agri-Nutri gardens across SHG homes
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Strengthened Village Health Committees
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Led local work on waste and water management
These women showed how simple, collective action can change health outcomes.
Care for the Elderly Gets Spotlight
A special session focused on India’s aging rural population.
HelpAge India introduced a model using elderly SHGs, mobile health units, and telemedicine.
Kerala SRLM added more with tech-driven assistive care under its STRIDE and BUDS programs.
These efforts aim to provide dignity and services for elders and the disabled, while creating jobs in rural health.
Moving Toward Viksit Bharat 2047
All sessions echoed one theme—stronger health outcomes lead to stronger communities.
Integrating FNHW into SHG livelihoods can ensure both economic growth and well-being.
Leaders from Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Nagaland, and others agreed that scaling these models is key to reaching Viksit Bharat 2047.
