Evaluating NRLM’s Role in Socio-economic Upgradation: Uday-Pareek Scale Analysis of Women in Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Studying the socio-economic status of women goes beyond mere statistics; it has far-reaching implications for social, economic, and human development. By recognizing the barriers women face and working to remove them, societies can unlock the full potential of women, leading to more inclusive and sustainable growth. The study of the socio-economic status of women holds significant importance due to its multifaceted implications for individuals, families, communities, and societies as a whole. National Rural Livelihoods Mission in Jammu and Kashmir is reaching the poorest of poor of the rural women and has been empowering them socially and economically since 2015. The present study is focuses on the socio-economic status of 300 women involved in NRLM activities as treatment group and 120 women who are not involved in NRLM as control group. The study used Uday-Pareek Scale to reveal that 62.33% member women of NRLM belonged to middle scale and 38.66% belonged to lower scale in Jammu division whereas 82.66% belonged to middle scale and 17.33% belonged to lower scale in Kashmir division. It was found that 6.66% BPL non member women of NRLM belonged to middle scale and 83.33% belonged to middle lower scale and 10% belonged to lower scale in Jammu division whereas 45% belonged to middle scale, 38% belonged to middle lower scale and 17% belonged to lower scale in Kashmir division. The results clearly indicated that despite women being in BPL class, their socio-economic conditions have been improved significantly over the years due to their active involvement in NRLM activities as compared to those non member women of NRLM.