Secretary in the Department of Rural Development, Rohit Kansal reviewed the progress of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission and its sub-schemes in New Delhi. The Ministry of Rural Development said that the review focused on the Mission’s strategy and preparedness to facilitate the emergence of six crore Lakhpati Didis through strengthened enterprise promotion, enhanced livelihood opportunities, and improved access to financial services.

Addressing the gathering, the Secretary emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of partnerships and key performance indicators to ensure the timely achievement of the Lakhpati Didi targets. Mr Kansal also underscored the importance of providing adequate capacity building, training, and handholding support to Self-Help Group members for the effective implementation of livelihood interventions. He further highlighted that She MARTs should be established at locations with high commercial activity and supported through robust backward and forward market linkages to ensure their sustainability and success.

During the meeting, the secretary also directed that a comprehensive calendar of activities be prepared and adhered to diligently to ensure timely implementation of all Mission interventions. The Ministry added that the meeting also discussed the proposed new initiatives under the Mission. It was emphasized that all operational guidelines should be finalized in consultation with relevant stakeholders in a timely manner and issued thereafter.

The meeting was attended by Joint Secretaries of Department of Rural Development Swati Sharma and Jayashree M.G, along with senior officers of the Rural Livelihoods Division and the National Mission Management Unit.