Livelihood Component
The livelihoods component of the programme focuses on enabling rural households in Meghalaya to access multiple, sustainable sources of income through strong community institutions and targeted economic interventions. Anchored in the Self-Help Group (SHG) ecosystem, the approach combines wage employment, enterprise development, natural farming, and financial inclusion to drive long-term poverty reduction.
Across the state, livelihoods are being strengthened through the creation of community and household assets under MGNREGA, promotion of local entrepreneurship, and the development of market linkages that connect rural producers to wider value chains. Special emphasis is placed on supporting SHG members to diversify income sources, adopt improved agricultural practices such as natural farming, and transition towards higher-value economic activities.
The programme also prioritises building a savings-led rural economy by expanding access to credit through the Kong Pla Tangka Cooperative Society, strengthening financial systems for SHGs and enabling livelihood investments. With a vision to transform SHGs into economic collectives, the initiative aims to enhance incomes at scale, including supporting large numbers of rural women to achieve sustainable, higher annual earnings.
By integrating employment, enterprise, agriculture, and financial systems, the livelihoods strategy seeks to create a resilient and self-sustaining rural economy, where communities are empowered to drive their own pathways out of poverty.