New Delhi: In a landmark step toward inclusive development for historically marginalized groups, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE)—through the Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC)—and the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)—through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen grassroots-level livelihood opportunities for DNT communities across India.
MoU Marks Major Collaboration for DNT Empowerment
The MoU was signed by Mr. V. Apparao, CEO, DWBDNC (MoSJE), and Mr. T. K. Anil Kumar, Additional Secretary, MoRD. The agreement represents a strong push toward integrating De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into mainstream rural livelihood frameworks.
For generations, DNT communities have struggled with deep-rooted social exclusion, limited access to credit, and unstable livelihood options. This partnership aims to reverse those barriers by placing DNT SHGs within structured, long-term support systems.
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Key Objectives of the Partnership
The collaboration focuses on a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Integrating DNT SHGs into NRLM structures such as Village Organizations (VOs), Cluster Level Federations (CLFs), and livelihood value chains.
- Providing capacity-building, financial literacy, and leadership training.
- Enabling credit linkages with banks and ensuring diversified livelihood opportunities.
- Enhancing coordination between the DWBDNC and State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs).
- Strengthening convergence with national missions to build economic resilience and social equity.
DNT Sakhi: A Community-Led Support Cadre
A distinctive feature of the initiative is the creation of a new community-based cadre called DNT Sakhi. Each Sakhi, chosen from within the community, will support around 30 families organized into three SHGs, providing sustained guidance and linking them to government schemes and financial services.
Over the next three years, more than 5,000 DNT SHGs formed under DWBDNC will be integrated into the NRLM ecosystem, gaining access to institutional credit, livelihood support, and long-term handholding.
Leaders Emphasize Long-Term Commitment
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. V. Apparao, CEO, DWBDNC, MoSJE, said:
“DWBDNC is committed to creating and nurturing DNT SHGs for a year. After 12 months of handholding, their onboarding into the NRLM ecosystem will strengthen them further by providing access to credit, institutional support, and dedicated guidance.”
Mr. T. K. Anil Kumar, Additional Secretary, MoRD, highlighted the long-term nature of the partnership:
“The empowerment of marginalized groups is a long journey that requires patience and persistence. NRLM is committed to nurturing DNT households beyond the initial year, for the next 3–5 years, to help them come out of poverty and build sustainable livelihoods.”
Officials noted that the MoU is more than an administrative agreement—it represents a shared vision to create pathways of dignity, opportunity, and self-reliance for DNT families nationwide.
A Unified Effort Toward Social Justice
The partnership symbolizes a coordinated national effort to bring DNT households into sustainable institutions of development. By combining MoSJE’s community-focused support with MoRD’s proven rural livelihood frameworks, the collaboration seeks to ensure long-lasting economic and social transformation for thousands of marginalized families.
About MoSJE
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) is responsible for the welfare, empowerment, and rehabilitation of socially and economically marginalized groups in India. Through initiatives focused on DNT, SC, OBC, and other vulnerable communities, the Ministry works to promote equality, dignity, and inclusive development.
About MoRD (DAY-NRLM)
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) implements flagship rural poverty alleviation programs, including the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). DAY-NRLM is one of the world’s largest poverty reduction programs, dedicated to mobilizing rural households into SHGs, enhancing livelihoods, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening rural institutions.
