Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards rural empowerment, the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) has successfully integrated over 4,12,548 previously excluded rural households into the Self-Help Group (SHG) network under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM). The mobilization campaign, which ran from March 8 to March 31, 2025, focused on ensuring 100% inclusion of rural women, elderly individuals, and specially-abled persons, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to social and economic upliftment.
The DAY-NRLM, launched by the Government of India in 2012, aims to alleviate rural poverty by fostering self-reliant institutions, promoting financial inclusion, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. One of its core objectives is to bring at least one woman from every identified rural poor household into an SHG, enabling access to financial services, skill development programs, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Odisha has played a crucial role in implementing this vision, with OLM driving initiatives that support rural women in achieving economic independence.
As part of the mission’s objectives, the campaign sought to ensure that no eligible household remained outside the SHG framework. A special emphasis was placed on the inclusion of specially-abled individuals and elderly persons. During the campaign, 1,667 Divyangjan and 4,495 elderly individuals were integrated into SHGs, providing them with livelihood support suited to their skills and capacities. Additionally, inactive SHGs were revitalized to enhance their contribution to community development, ensuring that previously dormant groups became active participants in Odisha’s economic growth.
The campaign extended its reach into the remotest villages, overcoming geographical and infrastructural challenges to ensure maximum participation. Field personnel worked closely with communities that had previously lacked access to institutional support, significantly strengthening grassroots social inclusion. To facilitate financial stability, OLM supported the opening of bank accounts for newly formed SHGs, allowing members to access credit and financial aid for their livelihood activities.
A critical aspect of the initiative was the formation and strengthening of Producer Groups, aimed at enhancing livelihood opportunities through agriculture, livestock, and allied sectors. By fostering collective efforts in these fields, the campaign helped rural entrepreneurs establish sustainable income sources.
The entire mobilization drive was closely monitored at various levels to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. The State Mission Management Unit (SMMU) set the roadmap and tracked progress on a daily basis, while the District and Block Mission Management Units worked directly with field functionaries to assess the inclusion process. This systematic approach ensured that the campaign achieved its objective of bringing every targeted household into the SHG fold.
With this large-scale inclusion effort, Odisha has taken a significant step towards achieving rural self-sufficiency and financial empowerment. The initiative aligns with the larger goal of creating a self-reliant rural economy, where women and marginalized communities play an integral role in driving sustainable development. Through continuous efforts like this, OLM is strengthening its mission of fostering inclusive growth and transforming the economic landscape of rural Odisha.