The Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, in collaboration with Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS-JEEVIKA), organized a two-day regional workshop at Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD), Gaya, focused on developing strategy and roadmap for achieving the national vision of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis. The workshop concluded with the formulation of a comprehensive strategy, roadmap, and Annual Action Plan for FY 2026–27.
The event was addressed virtually by Shri Rohit Kansal, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, and attended by senior officials including Shri Pankaj Kumar (Principal Secretary, Rural Development Department, Government of Bihar), Dr. Safeena A. N. (Additional Director General, BIPARD), Smt. Swati Sharma (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development), and Shri Himanshu Sharma (CEO, BRLPS-JEEVIKA). Participants included CEOs and representatives of State Rural Livelihood Missions from across the country, development partners, technical experts, and practitioners working in the rural livelihoods sector.
The workshop featured three parallel technical tracks on Farm Livelihoods, Non-Farm Livelihoods, and Management Information Systems (MIS), with discussions on agricultural and non-farm enterprises, value chains, digital platforms, data management, and successful livelihood models from various States. On the second day, Shri Raman Wadhwa, Deputy Director, Ministry of Rural Development, along with the National Mission Management Unit, presented the strategic framework for farm and non-farm livelihoods outlining policy reforms, institutional strengthening measures, and priority interventions.
Key achievements highlighted included the successful reaching of the national milestone of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis through the DAY-NRLM program. The next phase will focus on enterprise diversification, value addition, greater use of digital platforms, market linkages, climate-resilient livelihoods, and convergence-based development. States were urged to adopt data-driven planning and effectively utilize digital systems.
During the workshop, the book "Fostering Pathways for Rural Transformation" was formally launched, and an MoU was signed between BRLPS-JEEVIKA and the Arunachal State Rural Livelihood Mission (ArSRLM) to strengthen institutional collaboration and knowledge exchange. The workshop concluded with all participating States reaffirming their commitment to working collectively toward the national vision of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by promoting sustainable livelihoods, strengthening community institutions, fostering digital innovation, and enhancing rural women's incomes.