The Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihoods Mission (Bihan) under the Department of Panchayat and Rural Development, Government of Chhattisgarh, the nodal agency for implementing DAY-NRLM interventions across the state, has signed an MoU with BRAC International, a Global South-led organization dedicated to empowering people and communities. This partnership will support the implementation of CG-SAY, a Graduation-inspired livelihoods programme for the most vulnerable citizens of the state in two districts.
The MoU was signed by Ms. Jayshree Jain, State Mission Director, Bihan, Government of Chhattisgarh, and Ms. Shweta S. Banerjee, India Country Lead, BRAC International, in the presence of officials from the Government of India.
Bihan has emerged as a pivotal mission under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). Spanning 146 blocks across all 33 districts in Chhattisgarh, the mission has integrated economically disadvantaged families into a network of 259,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) involving 2.93 million households. The mission envisions a further acceleration of its initiatives to include rural households living in poverty, particularly women into this path.
On the occasion of the signing and launch, Ms. Jaishree Jain, State Mission Director, Bihan said, “CG-SAY is a flagship initiative of Bihan, Government of Chhattisgarh, aimed at improving the lives of marginalised communities, especially Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), women headed families and person with disability, through livelihood security, social protection and financial inclusion to break the cycle of poverty.” She added, “This initiative aims to become a national model by empowering the most vulnerable families through collective action for self-reliance, equality, and dignity”.
Ms. Shweta S. Banerjee, India Country Lead, BRAC International, thanked DAY-NRLM and the Government of Chhattisgarh, noting that, “under our partnership with Bihan in the state of Chhattisgarh, the CG-SAY programme will be implemented in Kabirdham and Jashpur districts, with a special focus on working with PVTGs. Key to CG-SAY’s success is community ownership and high quality household coaching via master resource persons. The programme will respect traditional livelihood preferences and incorporate innovative climate adaptive livelihoods to support participants during extreme climatic events.” She also expressed gratitude towards Trickle Up, the implementation partner for CG-SAY, and PRADAN, the research and technical support partner, for their critical role in bringing the programme to life.
In his keynote address, Mr. Bhim Singh, Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development, Chhattisgarh, said, “we welcome the guidance of Joint Secretary Smriti Sharan and NRLM, and the technical expertise of BRAC. The Multidimensional Poverty Index highlights how various deprivations trap families in poverty. BRAC’s Graduation approach shows that even the poorest can overcome poverty with the right support. For CG-SAY to succeed—especially in reaching PVTGs and other marginalized groups—active engagement from line departments and grassroots teams is essential. Convergence across departments is key, along with integrating gender and climate considerations into the programme.”
During her special address, Ms. Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary for Rural Livelihoods, Ministry of Rural Development, said, “The Government of India remains firmly committed to inclusive development under the vision of ‘leave no one behind.’” She added, “The Graduation approach has proven its success globally, and CG-SAY promises to build on a strong, evidence-based model. The role of dedicated coaches, consumption grants, asset transfers, and strong partnerships will be crucial in its success.” Acknowledging the inspiration drawn from SHG members, she emphasised, “We must adopt an all-of-society, all-of-department approach to build rural prosperity and resilience.”
Even though not present in person, Mr. Gregory Chen, Managing Director for the Ultra-Poor Graduation Initiative, sent in his congratulations to CG SRLM, NRLM, and BRAC India teams: “Community institutions are well positioned to address the multidimensional nature of poverty and impact both the lives and livelihoods of rural women living in poverty. We are equally committed to reaching those furthest behind and applaud the Government of Chhattisgarh for their existing work through Bihan and their continued leadership through CG-SAY.”
