War-Footing Strategy for Women’s Empowerment
Shri Chouhan expressed satisfaction with the mission’s overall performance and instructed officials to adopt a focused, war-footed strategy to achieve the ambitious target of 6 crore economically empowered women. He emphasized that reaching this goal requires linking at least 10 crore women to the financial inclusion programs of the Ministry.
The Union Minister underlined that financial inclusion serves as the backbone of women’s empowerment in rural India. Initiatives such as bank linkages, credit access, insurance coverage, and financial literacy are vital for transforming Self-Help Group (SHG) members into self-reliant and economically independent individuals.
Action Plan and State Coordination
Shri Chouhan directed the formulation of a concrete, time-bound action plan with close coordination between central and state governments. States underperforming in fund utilization or project execution are to receive necessary guidance and handholding to ensure mission objectives are met efficiently.
Highlighting continuous engagement with states, he stressed that sustained dialogue and support will strengthen DAY–NRLM’s implementation, extending benefits to more Self-Help Groups and ensuring maximum advantage for ‘Lakhpati Didis’ under various rural development initiatives.
DAY–NRLM: Components and Achievements
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana operates through four core components: institutional building and capacity development, social inclusion and development, financial inclusion, and livelihood promotion. Collectively, these components aim to establish robust community institutions, enhance skills, promote inclusive growth, and expand income-generating opportunities.
Under the mission, about ₹1.5 lakh crore has been extended through bank linkages, enabling SHG members to invest in livelihoods. Approximately 5 crore individuals have benefited from financial literacy programs, while nearly 7 crore people have received insurance coverage under social security schemes, reflecting the transformative impact of the mission on rural livelihoods.
Government Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Shri Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that ‘Lakhpati Didis’ receive the maximum benefits of Ministry schemes. He emphasized that the success of the mission is measured not only in numbers but also in the sustainable economic empowerment and improved quality of life for rural women and their families.
The Union Minister concluded by stating that with focused implementation, monitoring, and state coordination, DAY–NRLM can play a pivotal role in creating a more inclusive, self-reliant rural economy where women emerge as confident contributors to national development.
