Determinants of Participation in National Rural Livelihood Mission: An Investigation in Odisha, India

Abstract

National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) is a flagship programme introduced by the Government of India with an objective of providing secured livelihood to the rural poor. Participation in NRLM is voluntary. Therefore, it can be assumed that various socio-economic factors affect the participation decision. Thus, this paper is carried out with the objective of determining different socio- economic factors that affect participation decision in Sonepur district of Odisha, India. Data are collected from 220 respondents (120 beneficiaries and 100 non- beneficiaries) using a structured questionnaire. A binary probit model is used to examine the probability of participation. The study finds that educational qualification and land holding have significant positive effects on participation decision. Findings conclude that the programme should try to include those who are having cultivated land; so that, their lands can be utilised in on-farm activities