Government to launch Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana under DAY-NRLM

The Union Ministry of Rural Development is going to launch Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY), a sub-scheme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
The scheme aims at providing an alternative source of livelihood to members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) by facilitating them to operate public transport services in backward rural areas.

Key Facts

AGEY will help to provide safe, affordable and community monitored rural transport services to connect remote villages with key services and amenities such as access to markets, education and health for the overall economic development of backward rural areas.
The transport services will be provided by e-rickshaws, 3 and 4 wheeler motorised transport vehicles to connect remote villages with the help of Self Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM. This will provide an additional avenue of livelihood for SHGs.
The scheme will be implemented initially in 250 blocks in the country on a pilot basis for a period of 3 years (2017-20) with each block provided upto six vehicles to operate transport services. The Community Investment Fund (CIF) provided to Community Based Organization (CBOs) under DAY-NRLM will be utilized to provide interest free loan to SHG member for purchase of transport vehicles.

About Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)

DAY-NRLM is a poverty alleviation scheme implemented by Union Ministry of Rural Development to promote self-employment and organization of rural poor.  It was launched as NRLM in 2011 but was succeeded by Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana in 2016. It is supported by World Bank.
The scheme aims to organize the poor into SHGs and make them capable for self-employment. It has a special focus on women empowerment including a dedicated component for promoting farm and non-farm based livelihoods for women farmers in rural areas.
The scheme will help rural poor to set up self-employment ventures by ensuring easy access to credit. It is implemented across the country in all States and Union Territories (except Chandigarh and Delhi ). It is one of the world’s largest initiatives to improve the livelihood of poor.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2017