Prajjwala Challenge

Ministry of Rural Development has recently launched the “Prajjwala Challenge” with an aim to invite ideas and innovative solutions that can change rural economy. It is launched under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).

What is the objective of the Prajjwala Challenge?

• It will provide a platform for innovative ideas and solutions from individuals, Start-ups, Social Enterprises, the Private sector, Civil Societies, Community based Organisations, Incubation centers, etc around inclusive growth, sustainability, cost-effective solution, enhanced women entrepreneurship, etc.
• Shortlisted candidates will be provided with mentorship and incubation support to scale up.
• The top five ideas will be rewarded with a cash prize of ₹ 2 lacks each.

Solutions invited under the following broad categories in Prajjwala Challenge

• Focus on women and marginalized sections of society,
• Cost-effective solutions,
• Sustainability,
• Localized models,
• Multisectoral ideas etc.

About DAY-NRLM

Ministry of Rural Development launched the Aajeevika – National Rural Livelihood Mision in 2011. Later in 2015, it was renamed as Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).

It aims at eliminating poverty of 8-10 crore rural households via forming Self Help. Groups by 2024-25.

It addresses the following key dimensions of rural development which are strengthening financial support services, diversification of livelihood, empowering institutions of the poor, imparting skills to rural people, and improving the quality of human development.

Aajeevika Gramin Express Yojana is a sub-scheme launched under DAY-NRLM in 2017, to provide an alternative source of livelihood to SHG’s members by facilitating them to operate public transport services in rural backward areas.

Other schemes launched for rural development

• Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP)
  • It was launched in 1978 to provide employment opportunities as well as enhance the skill sets of people below the poverty line.
• Sansad Aadrash Gram Yojan (SAGY)
  • It is a village development scheme under which each Member of Parliament (MP) needs to choose each village in his/her constituency except their own village or their in-law’s village and make it a model village by 2019.
• SVAMITVA Scheme
  • SVAMITVA stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Villages Areas.
  • It aims to provide an integrated property validity solution for rural India by using modern drone technology.
• National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
  • It was launched in 2005 to provide quality healthcare services in rural areas.
  • Various initiatives launched under this mission are Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, ASHA, Rogi Kalyan Samiti, etc.