T.N. is 14th in implementing urban livelihood scheme

State ranks among top 10 in certain components

Tamil Nadu has been ranked 14th in the country in the implementation of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) scheme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Based on the Systematic Progressive Analytical Real Time Ranking (SPARK), T.N. is ranked after Kerala, while Madhya Pradesh and Punjab are in the first two spots.

“We are having constant review meetings and working on our shortcomings. We hope that next year, we will come first in the ranking,” said a senior official from the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women (TNCDW), which is the nodal agency for the implementation of the DAY-NULM.

The State, however, has come in the top ten positions when it comes to certain components of the scheme. In the Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH) and Self-Employment Programme components, T.N. is ranked fourth. It occupies the third position in Social Mobilisation of Institution Development, seventh in Employment through Skill Training and Placement, and 10th in Support for Urban Street Vendors.

High expectations

Officials from TNCDW pointed out that while they have been providing training to many families below the poverty line, finding them a suitable job is a tough task, as most end up quitting. “Many companies have expectations that can only be met by those with experience abroad. The people need help, especially in enhancing soft skills. We need to focus on this,” he said.

Activists, while appreciating the State’s performance, added that it was imperative that it provide suitable livelihood opportunities and housing to the urban poor, especially the homeless.

A recent report by the Information and Resource Centre for the Deprived Urban Communities (IRCDUC) noted that as of July, the State had reached out to over 6,000 urban homeless people through the SUH component and its intervention for the homeless in Chennai is reportedly noted as one of the best models in the country. However, the people need to be linked to the departments concerned to avail of the required opportunities, the report said.

“People need more than shelters,” said Vanessa Peter, policy researcher, IRCDUC. “They need to be rehabilitated, given jobs and houses. The authorities must also coordinate with other line departments effectively to provide them the necessary training,” she said.