Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that Prime Minister Modi has recently hailed the rise in rural consumption in India, mentioning about the recent household consumption expenditure survey. There is a tangible reduction in poverty as per an SBI study released.
“Our vision is to empower rural India by transforming villages into vibrant centers of growth and opportunity. I am confident that the development of villages will lead to the realization of a developed India.” Modi said. This major change in rural India has been discussed amid preparations for the Union Budget. Goa’s consistent strides in securing rural economy are contributing to and supplementing the vision of the PM.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, while releasing a detailed survey-based report on state rural economy of Goa in Panaji, stated that, “Goa has made unprecedented achievements in the growth of rural economy in the state, signifying a paradigm shift in the economic trend. Self sufficiency among the households, with the women taking the lead in driving the rural economy has been the hallmark of a sustainable surge in rural household empowerment and diversification in expenditure. This surge can be attributed to the implementation of various state-level initiatives and national programs such as the Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Program (SVEP) and the Prime Minister’s Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME). The SHG members are much more empowered to explore alternative income streams, enhancing their economic resilience and contributing to sustainable rural development.”
This impact assessment research has been conducted by TISS (TATA Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai), in collaboration with Goa Livelihoods Forum. This report underscores the pivotal role of the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission (GSRLM) in implementing the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) in Goa, with Goa Livelihoods Forum (GLF) as its Project Management Unit (PMU) since 2020.
In the last five years between 2020 to 2024, there has been a 60% increase in the number of households mobilized into SHGs and overall, 65% more number of SHGs have been brought into GSRLM fold. Significantly, 131% increase has been effected in the number of VOs (Village Organizations) brought under GSRLM fold. Importantly 50% of the dormant SHGs (Self Help Groups) have been revived between 2020 to 2024. The non-farm-based livelihoods have been promoted under the Start- Up Village Entrepreneurship Program (SVEP), experienced a growth of 556% and Prime Minister’s Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, witnessed 251% increase, from 2020 to 2024.
Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development, Shri Govind Gaude, lauded the department’s efforts and said that “the VOs experienced 158% growth in startup funds disbursement between 2020 to 2024. The increase in VOs receiving startup funds and the rise in registered VOs indicate strengthened organizational structures and improved access to resources. These advancements empower VOs to undertake larger-scale projects, distribute resources effectively, and contribute to sustainable community development. Collectively, these developments are promoting long-term economic growth and social welfare for their members. This has boosted the growth of rural consumption and reduced the urban-rural gap in the monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE), in line with the national trend.”
The Minister urged the students and practitioners of social development to study the report and the efficient management of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission project in Goa by GSRLM with management support from GLF (Goa Livelihoods Forum). Some key highlights are as follows:
4,800% growth in the Total Community Investment Fund (CIF) Disbursement, benefiting 1069 SHGs
The CIF is provided to Cluster Level Federations (CLFs), which then lend the funds to SHGs. SHGs can use the funds for food security, income generation, and other social needs.
445% increase in the overall Revolving Fund (RF) amount disbursed between 2020 to 2024, benefitting 3,354 SHGs
This strengthened financial support enables SHGs to address daily financial needs and invest in income-generating activities, fostering self-reliance and sustainability.
1,564% growth in the overall number of Mahila Kisans Covered Under AEP
There has been notable increase in Mahila Kisan covered under Agro-Ecological Practices (AEP) interventions, reflecting the successful outreach strategies implemented under the GSRLM that empower women farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Asha Vernekar of GLF thanked the Hon’ble CM, the RD Minister, and the RD Department and said, “this won’t be possible without the support of GSRLM to take dynamic steps to enable such dramatic development on-the-ground. GLF has adopted good practices, included experienced and qualified professionals and more importantly included the community at the last mile to help achieve success.”
