International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Jivantika Maurya, NR Meena, RK Doharey, Abhishek Chaudhary and Amrit Warshini

abstract
This study examines the attitudes of beneficiaries towards the National Rural Livelihoods Mission in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on two development blocks Bhathat and Bharohiya. NRLM aims to empower rural women through financial inclusion, social mobilization, skill development, and sustainable livelihood opportunities by organizing them into Self-Help Groups. The research involved 180 respondents, selected from 60 SHGs, using a structured interview schedule with 16 statements based on a modified Likert scale. The study found that 68.89% of the respondents had a favorable attitude towards NRLM, indicating recognition of the program's potential to improve their socio-economic conditions. Statements highlighting the role of NRLM experts in enhancing technical knowledge, promoting income-generating activities, and bridging communication gaps between SHG members and NRLM staff ranked the highest. However, some respondents expressed concerns regarding the profitability and effectiveness of income-generating activities. The study concludes that while NRLM has positively impacted rural women, further efforts in skill development, continuous support, and monitoring are necessary to address challenges.