Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUN 29 (NPN): The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Kohima, organised a discussion programme on “12 Years of Government” under the theme, “From Empowerment to Prosperity: Urban Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship”, at Hotel Japfü with media person from various media houses on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, State Mission Manager, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), Directorate of Urban Development, Abaü Suokhrie, said DAY-NULM, launched in Nagaland in 2014-15, had focused on reducing urban poverty through sustainable livelihood opportunities by promoting Self-Help Groups (SHGs), skill development, self-employment, support for street vendors and shelters for the urban homeless.
She said women remained at the centre of the mission through SHGs, with 884 groups formed across 11 district headquarters between 2014 and September 2024. According to her, the programme had strengthened livelihoods, particularly among women and economically weaker sections, by enabling access to skills, credit and entrepreneurship.
Suokhrie informed that while DAY-NULM concluded on September 30, 2024, it had now transitioned to the Deendayal Jan Aajeevika Yojana–Shehari (DJAY-S), with Kohima selected among 25 pilot cities in the country. She said the new programme would focus on vulnerable urban workers, including gig, transport, construction, waste and domestic workers.
Additional Director and State Mission Director, DAY-NULM, Petevilie Khatsu, highlighted the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, stating that it had been extended until March 31, 2030, following its restructuring from January 1, 2026.
He said the collateral-free loan scheme supported street vendors through loans of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000, along with interest subsidy, digital payment incentives, credit guarantee and linkage to eight Central welfare schemes.
Khatsu said Nagaland had achieved 50% of its target of 13,000 loans, with 6,511 loans sanctioned and 6,394 disbursed amounting to Rs. 10.52 crore. He added that 60% of beneficiaries had repaid their loans on time.
He said Aghunato and Meluri recorded 100% repayment rates, while Noklak and Changtongya reported 92% and 90%, respectively. However, he noted that Naginimora, Tizit, Tobu, Atoizu, Satakha, Shamator, Seyochung and Chiephobozou had not registered any loans under the scheme.
Khatsu also pointed to challenges such as Aadhaar-mobile linkage issues, low digital literacy, poor internet connectivity, bank loan rejections and inadequate banking facilities in remote areas, and called for coordinated efforts to improve implementation.
The programme was moderated by PIB Kohima Media and Communication Officer Andrew Lalchhandama. Head of Office, PIB Kohima, P. Sophie proposed the vote of thanks and felicitated the resource persons.