Published Dec 26, 2025 4 Min Read

What is Deendayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana (DAY)?

Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, the Deendayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) aims to reduce poverty by promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities. The scheme is structured to cater to both urban and rural populations through two key sub-missions:

  1. National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM): Focused on rural areas, NRLM aims to promote self-employment and skill development among rural households.
  2. National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Targeted at urban populations, this sub-mission supports the urban poor through skill enhancement, entrepreneurship, and financial assistance.

DAY is designed to empower economically weaker sections of society, especially women and marginalised groups, by forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and providing financial support to create sustainable livelihoods.

Objectives of Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana

The primary objectives of the Deendayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana are:

  • Poverty alleviation: To reduce poverty by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for the urban and rural poor.
  • Skill development: To enhance the employability of the poor by providing skill training tailored to market demands.
  • Financial inclusion: To improve access to financial services, including loans and subsidies, for the economically weaker sections.
  • Women empowerment: To promote the formation of women-centric SHGs, fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
  • Social inclusion: To integrate marginalised communities into the mainstream by improving their socio-economic conditions.

Key components: NRLM and DAY-NULM

National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)

The NRLM focuses on empowering rural households by enabling them to access self-employment opportunities and financial services. Key features include:

  • Formation of SHGs: Encouraging the creation of SHGs, particularly for women, to promote collective entrepreneurship.
  • Capacity building: Providing training and skill development to enhance employability in various sectors.
  • Financial support: Offering loans and subsidies to SHGs and individual entrepreneurs.
  • Market linkages: Facilitating access to markets for rural products and services to ensure a steady income.

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)

DAY-NULM is designed to address urban poverty by creating opportunities for gainful employment. Key components include:

  • Self-Employment Programme (SEP): Providing financial assistance to individuals and groups for setting up micro-enterprises.
  • Skill Training and Placement (EST&P): Offering skill development training to enhance employability in urban areas.
  • Shelters for urban homeless: Ensuring dignified living conditions for the urban homeless through shelter homes.
  • Support to urban street vendors: Providing spaces, credit, and skill training to street vendors to improve their livelihoods.

Eligibility under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana

The DAY scheme has specific eligibility criteria for beneficiaries. Below is a table outlining the key requirements:

Eligibility CriteriaDetails
Target GroupIndividuals or households below the poverty line (BPL)
Focus on WomenWomen-led SHGs are prioritised
Urban AreasUrban poor, including street vendors and homeless individuals
Rural AreasRural households seeking self-employment and skill training opportunities
Age LimitBeneficiaries must typically be between 18 and 60 years of age

How SHGs benefit from Antyodaya Yojana

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play a pivotal role in the implementation of the DAY scheme. Here is how SHGs benefit from the initiative:

  • Access to financial support: SHGs receive loans, subsidies, and revolving funds to support their entrepreneurial ventures.
  • Skill development: Members undergo training in various skills to improve productivity and income generation.
  • Market linkages: SHGs are connected to larger markets, ensuring better returns for their products and services.
  • Social empowerment: SHGs empower women and marginalised groups, promoting social equality and inclusion.
  • Capacity building: Through workshops and training sessions, SHGs gain knowledge in financial literacy, business management, and marketing strategies.

Financial support and revolving funds

The DAY scheme provides financial support to SHGs and individual beneficiaries through various channels. Below is an overview of the fund allocation:

Type of FundPurposeAmount
Revolving FundSeed capital for newly formed SHGsRs. 10,000 - Rs. 15,000
Community Investment FundSupport for income-generating activitiesRs. 50,000 - Rs. 2 lakh
Interest SubventionReduced interest rates for loans availed by SHGsVaries based on region

Achievements of Deendayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana

Since its inception, the DAY scheme has made significant strides in poverty alleviation and livelihood promotion. Some of its key achievements include:

  • Formation of over 6.5 lakh SHGs across India under the NRLM.
  • Enhanced access to financial services for over 7 crore rural households.
  • Successful skill training and employment for over 10 lakh urban youth under the DAY-NULM.
  • Improved living conditions for thousands of urban homeless individuals through shelter homes.
  • Empowerment of women through SHG-led initiatives and market linkages.

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Mahila-e-haat scheme 

Bajaj Finserv Loans for DAY SHGs

Bajaj Finserv plays a crucial role in supporting SHGs under the DAY scheme by offering tailored financial solutions. Here is how SHGs can benefit from Bajaj Finserv’s services:

  • Affordable loans: SHGs can access Bajaj Finserv loans at competitive interest rates to fund their entrepreneurial ventures.
  • Flexible repayment options: With the Bajaj Finance EMI Network Card, SHGs can repay loans in convenient instalments.
  • Quick disbursal: Bajaj Finserv ensures fast loan approvals and disbursals, enabling SHGs to access funds without delays.
  • Financial literacy: Bajaj Finserv provides guidance on managing funds and improving credit scores.
  • Access to revolving funds: SHGs can utilise Bajaj Finserv’s financial products to supplement the revolving funds provided under the DAY scheme.

Success stories from Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana

Real-life success stories highlight the transformative impact of the DAY scheme. For example:

  • Empowered rural women: In a village in Maharashtra, a women-led SHG utilised funds from the DAY scheme to start a dairy business. With additional support from Bajaj Finserv loans, they expanded their operations and increased their income significantly.
  • Urban street vendor upliftment: A street vendor in Delhi benefited from the DAY-NULM scheme by receiving skill training and financial assistance. Today, he runs a successful food stall, earning a stable livelihood.

These stories showcase how the combination of government initiatives and financial support can empower individuals and communities.

DAY vs other poverty schemes

Below is a comparison of the DAY scheme with other poverty alleviation programmes:

FeatureDAYOther Schemes
FocusLivelihood promotion and skill developmentPrimarily financial aid or subsidies
Target GroupUrban and rural poorSpecific groups (e.g., farmers, labourers)
Women EmpowermentHigh priorityModerate to low priority
Market LinkagesStrong emphasisLimited focus

Conclusion

The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana is a comprehensive initiative that addresses poverty through sustainable livelihoods, skill development, and financial inclusion. By focusing on SHGs and marginalised communities, the scheme has successfully empowered millions across India.

Bajaj Finserv further complements this initiative by providing affordable loans and financial solutions to SHGs and individual beneficiaries. With the right support, DAY can continue to transform lives and contribute to India’s socio-economic growth.

If you are part of an SHG or an individual looking for financial assistance, explore Bajaj Finserv’s loan options today to kickstart your journey towards self-reliance and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing overdue payments improve my CIBIL score immediately?

Clearing overdue payments can positively impact your CIBIL score, but the improvement is not immediate. Credit bureaus update your credit report periodically, and it may take 30 to 60 days for the changes to reflect. Consistently paying your EMIs on time after clearing overdue payments will further enhance your credit score over time.

Can Bajaj Finserv waive late fees for overdue payments?

Bajaj Finserv may consider waiving late fees under specific circumstances. To request a waiver, contact Bajaj Finserv customer care through the Service Portal or helpline. Ensure you provide valid reasons for the delay and supporting documents, if required.

What happens if I ignore overdue payment notices?

Ignoring overdue payment notices can lead to:

  1. Higher penalties and late fees.
  2. A significant drop in your CIBIL score.
  3. Loan default, which may result in legal action or repossession of the financed asset.

Tip: Address overdue payments promptly to avoid these consequences.

Can I prepay an Auto loan to avoid overdue charges?

Yes, Bajaj Finserv allows prepayment of auto loans. Prepaying your loan can help you avoid overdue charges and reduce your overall interest burden. To prepay your loan:

  1. Log in to the Bajaj Finserv Service Portal or App.
  2. Navigate to the ‘Loans’ section and select your auto loan account.
  3. Choose the prepayment option and follow the instructions to complete the process.

Note: Check the prepayment terms and conditions on the Bajaj Finserv website before proceeding.

How do I check my overdue payment status online?

You can check your overdue payment status online in three simple steps:

  1. Log in to the Bajaj Finserv Service Portal or App using your registered mobile number.
  2. Navigate to the ‘Loans’ section and select your auto loan.
  3. View the overdue payment details under the payment history section.

Tip: Use the portal regularly to monitor your loan account and stay updated on payment deadlines.

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