Prajjwala Challenge: Govt Invites New Ideas, Solutions to Transform Rural Economy

The Central government under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has introduced the Prajjwala Challenge with the intention of inviting concepts, options, and initiatives that have the potential to revolutionize the rural economy.

It is one of the venues where concepts with the potential to change the rural economy are invited from people, social enterprises, start-ups, the private sector, civil society, community-based organizations, academic institutions, incubation centers, investors, etc.

Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, introduced the Prajjwala Challenge in New Delhi on Sunday. The mission is seeking suggestions and ideas for projects in the areas of sustainable development, place-based employment, locally adapted models, inclusive growth, value chain interventions, and innovative technology.

As per a document released by the ministry, the broad contours of the programme fall into the following categories:

1. Focus on women and marginalized section of the community
2. Localized models
3. Sustainability
4. Cost-effective solutions
5. Multi-sectoral ideas and solutions etc

The application period is from December 29, 2022, to January 31, 2023. The Mission will acknowledge any ideas that make the shortlist and will offer them incubation support as well as mentorship from a panel of subject matter experts. Each of the top 5 suggestions will receive a reward of Rs 2 Lakh. To apply, candidates should visit www.prajjwalachallenge.com.

About DAY-NRLM:

One of the Ministry of Rural Development's signature programmes to reduce poverty, DAY-NRLM aims to build institutional platforms for the rural poor that are efficient and effective, allowing them to increase household income through improvements to sustainable livelihoods and better access to financial services.

More than 87 million women have been recruited by the mission to Self-Help Groups and associated federations so far. While significant progress has been made in the areas of women's empowerment and financial inclusion, one of the mission's main priorities is to deepen, enhance, and expand livelihood intervention to ensure sustainable income.

Meanwhile, Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary (RL), senior ministry officers, important State Mission Directors of State Rural Livelihoods Missions, Start-ups, incubators, and NGO representatives were present at the Prajjwala Challenge launch ceremony.