The Uttar Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Mission (UPSRLM) is fostering financial independence for women in rural areas through the establishment of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This initiative supports women in forming groups that facilitate access to financial services, livelihood opportunities, and market connections. Operating under the Rural Development Department, UPSRLM is the state’s counterpart to the national Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

Scale and Reach of the Mission

As of a government release on September 2, 2026, Uttar Pradesh boasts over 10.5 lakh self-help groups, which collectively support nearly 1.25 crore rural families. This extensive network includes 65,544 Village Organisations and 3,298 Cluster-Level Federations that enhance coordination among groups and facilitate their activities. At the national level, DAY-NRLM has mobilised 10.05 crore women into approximately 90.87 lakh self-help groups by October 2024.

The mission’s structure allows for a systematic approach to financial inclusion, enabling women to save regularly and access bank credit and other financial services. This model not only promotes savings but also links those savings to skill development, production, and market opportunities.

Village Organisations play a crucial role in coordinating activities among the groups, while Cluster-Level Federations provide a broader network that connects women with training and larger market opportunities. The overarching goal is to empower women to transition from mere saving to establishing sustainable income sources.

Economic Activities of Self-Help Groups

Women involved in self-help groups engage in various economic activities, which include agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy production, food processing, and the provision of local products and services. One notable initiative is the Vidyut Sakhi programme, where women from SHGs are tasked with collecting electricity bill payments. By mid-2025, approximately 30,000 women had enrolled in this programme, with 438 achieving the status of Lakhpati Didi, signifying significant financial success.

The diversity of activities undertaken by these groups not only enhances the economic standing of individual women but also contributes to the overall development of their communities. By participating in these various sectors, women can create a more resilient economic environment.

Furthermore, the government has mandated the mission to link women beneficiaries of rural housing schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin and Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, with self-help groups. This strategy aims to integrate housing support with livelihood opportunities, enabling families to secure both a stable home and a reliable source of income.

Significance of Collective Action

The mission’s emphasis on collective action is pivotal in enhancing the economic prospects of women in rural Uttar Pradesh. By uniting women in self-help groups, the initiative facilitates access to savings, credit, training, and market opportunities that may otherwise be challenging to obtain individually. This collective approach not only strengthens the women’s economic position but also fosters a sense of community and mutual support.

Despite the progress made, challenges remain in ensuring access to capital, adequate training, and reliable markets. Addressing these issues is crucial for transforming the opportunities presented by self-help groups into sustainable incomes for women. The mission continues to evolve, aiming to empower women further and enhance their roles in the rural economy.

In conclusion, the Uttar Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Mission represents a significant step towards improving the economic independence of women in rural areas through self-help groups. By providing essential resources and support, the mission aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for women across the state.

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