The following is a brief introduction to the topic:
NULM is a social program initiated by India to provide sustainable incomes and job opportunities for urban poor people, such as street vendors and homeless. In September 2013, the Swarna Rajanti Shahari Rohgar Yojana was replaced by this new scheme. It aims to create employment for individuals and groups through training in skills and assisting them with micro-enterprises. This is part the larger urban governance structure in India that includes Smart Cities Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation Urban Transformation and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation.
The Key Objectives
- Reduce Poverty: Reducing poverty and vulnerability in urban households through the provision of opportunities to earn a living by self-employment, and for skilled wages.
- Social Mobilisation: Build strong institutions at the grassroots level of the poor (e.g. Self-Help Groups, SHGs) and improve their lives.
- Access to credit: Facilitate credit access through various financial institutions including nationalized banks, and other government financial services.
- Employability and Skill Development: Enhance the employability and marketability of urban poor by aligning skill-training programs with market requirements.
- Supporting Urban Street Vendors: The aim is to improve the livelihoods of urban street sellers by providing them with access to institution credit, social insurance, and training.
Other Important Components
- Social Mobilisation and Institution Development – SMID SHG formation, their federations and capacity building are key to creating a powerful social network.
- Workplace Training and Placement through Skills Training (ESTP). Training urban poor in skills needed for wage and self-employment.
- Self-Employment Programme (SEP): Access to credit is made easier for the establishment of individual and group businesses.
- Support Urban Street Vendors Street vendors are identified and given identity cards, and markets/facilities for them developed.
- Shelter for Urban Homeless The creation of permanent urban shelters with services essential for homeless individuals.
Implementation of Governance
- The Central Government and the State Governments It is a centrally-sponsored scheme, with 75:25 costs shared between the Central Government and each state (90:10 in North Eastern states and those of special categories).
- Urban Local Bodies: ULBs play a crucial role in the implementation of programs.
- CBOs: Include SHGs as well as other entities at the community level in planning.
- The Skill Development Institutes Skills development tailored to the needs of the market can be provided by partnering with technical institutions.
Examples of Successful Implementations
- Delhi: It is important to establish several shelters for Delhi’s homeless, with all the necessary facilities. This will provide them with an adequate place of refuge during adverse weather conditions.
- Mumbai: Mumbai is a city where street vending has become more organised and free from harassment.
- Hyderabad: SHGs have been successful in establishing several small businesses run by local women. These micro enterprises provide services and sell crafts, resulting in a substantial increase of family income.
- Bengaluru: Various training programs for IT, construction and retail under the ESTP component has led to an increase in employment opportunities among the urban poor.
What are the challenges and future directions?
- Financial Barriers: Assuring timely and adequate financial support to the missions initiatives is a major challenge.
- Operational Delays The effectiveness of a mission can be affected by delays in the implementation or completion of certain components.
- Awareness: The benefits of this mission will only reach the poorest urban sections if they are made more aware and reached.
- The Private Sector: CSR initiatives that encourage greater participation of the private sector in order to improve training and job opportunities.
- Technology Integration: Harnessing the digital platform to streamline SHG activity, skill-training, and credit facilitation.
The conclusion of the article is:
National Urban Livelihoods Mission has the potential to change millions of lives in India’s cities by providing them with sustainable livelihoods. With innovative and constant efforts, the Mission is set to tackle the problems associated with urban poor, contributing to India’s socio-economic growth.
FAQs
1. What is National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM)?
The National Urban Livelihoods Mission is an initiative launched by India to alleviate poverty and vulnerable urban populations by offering them the opportunity for wage and self-employment.
2. When did the NULM launch?
NULM, which replaced the Swarna Jaanti Shahari Razgar Yojana(SJSRY), was launched on September 2013.
3. What are NULM’s main goals?
“The main objectives of the program include poverty reduction and social mobilization. They also include access to credit and training in skills and employment.
What are the main stakeholders in NULM implementation?
Key stakeholders are the Central Government, State Governments and Urban Local Bodies. They also include community-based organisations and training institutions.
5. How does NULM help urban street vendors
NULM provides support to urban street vendors through identification and formalization of their activities. They are provided with ID cards and their infrastructure is improved. Credit and social security can also be facilitated.
6. What are the roles of Self-Help groups (SHGs), under NULM?
SHGs have a vital role to play in social mobilization at the grassroots level. Members can pool their resources and benefit from each other, while also facilitating skill-training and credit access.
7. How can NULM help develop skills?
NULM offers a variety of skill-training programs aligned with the market’s needs. This enhances the employability for the urban poor through its Employment through Skills Training and Placement component.
8. What financial mechanisms are involved with NULM?
NULM, a centrally-sponsored scheme, has a ratio of cost sharing between 75:25 for the State and Central Governments. This is different in North Eastern States and states that fall under special categories where 90:10 is used.
9. What is an example of NULM that has been successful?
Mumbai’s formalization of street sellers through the development of dedicated hawking areas and identification cards has resulted in organized street vending and improved their livelihood.
10. What will be the NULM’s future?
The future includes tackling financial obstacles, improving operational efficiency, raising awareness, engaging the private sector and integrating technology solutions to improve implementation and outreach.
