DAY NRLM scheme and its impact on women empowerment: a case of Morigaon district of Assam, India
Indian Growth and Development Review
ISSN: 1753-8254
Article publication date: 16 January 2024
Issue publication date: 29 March 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the political, economic, social and technological (PEST) factors of women empowerment in the context of rural development under the initiatives of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
Design/methodology/approach
The unit of analysis for this study is 459 samples. Non-probability sampling technique has been used for this study. Schedule/questionnaires have been circulated among the women in each block cluster. Frequencies have been used to represent the data against each statement. Non-parametric chi-square test has been used to examine the relationship between empowerment and political, economic, social, technological factors and interpersonal skills.
Findings
Statistical analysis shows that the Deendayal Antayodaya Yojana (DAY)-NRLM scheme has brought significant changes and development to women in political, social, economic and technological areas. It was observed that women are economically empowered and contribute to the economic upliftment of the family. Most of the respondents strongly felt that after being associated with DAY-NRLM, they were empowered to contribute efficiently to the social development process and activities.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study highlight the impact of DAY-NRLM implementation at block levels of a district in India. Subsequent research may be carried to measure the effectiveness of the capacity-building program conducted under the banner of DAY-NRLM.
Practical implications
Women empowerment is not limited to awareness, whereas it needs a complete set of initiatives backed with support systems. Few critical interventions could be building strong networks, enhancing financial management, encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship among self-help group workers, providing easy access to credit, mentoring, handholding, continuous monitoring and evaluation.
Social implications
This study focuses on the impact of the DAY-NRLM scheme on women’s empowerment in the Morigaon district. The inferences from the study throw light on the empowerment of women vis-à-vis political, economic, social and technological factors.
Originality/value
This study is a primary study conducted in the Morigaon District of Assam. This is a new line of policy research that approaches the women empowerment with the PEST parameters.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are in debt to Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education (MGNCRE), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, for funding the research project.
The authors sincerely acknowledge, Dr WG Prasanna Kumar, Chairman, MGNCRE, MoE, GoI, Dr T Nagalakshmi Member Secretary, MGNCRE, MoE, GoI Dr Debendra Nath Dash, Assistant Director (Research and Networking), MGNCRE, MoE, GoI for their entrusting their faith and motivation in undertaking this project.
The authors are thankful to IIM Shillong, for allowing us to take up this project and for providing necessary facilities in conducting the research work smoothly. The authors would like to express the authors’ sincere gratitude to Prof D. P. Goyal, Director, IIM Shillong for extending his support in accomplishing the project outcomes.
Citation
Ningombam, S.K. and Bordoloi, S. (2024), "DAY NRLM scheme and its impact on women empowerment: a case of Morigaon district of Assam, India", Indian Growth and Development Review, Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 26-42. https://doi.org/10.1108/IGDR-08-2022-0103
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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