Assam model of eradicating urban poverty gets nationwide recognition

Guwahati: Assam's "model" for eradicating urban poverty is gaining popularity across India, claims Assam Government.

An official statement stated that the recent initiatives of the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM), Assam, which aims to eradicate urban poverty and socio-economically empower the economically disadvantaged people in urban areas, "have received high praise at the all-India level."

Recently, a group of government representatives from Tamil Nadu visited Assam at the request of the Indian Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to research the Assam model for eradicating urban poverty.

The Joint Director, State Mission Managers, MIS analysts, and young professionals from Tamil Nadu's NULM came to Assam to examine the noteworthy efforts of the National Urban Livelihood Mission [NULM], Assam. They also met with the staff members of NULM, Assam as well as members of self-help organisations.

The group toured women self-help group-run businesses in the cities of Assam, that produce weaving, pickles, ethnic Assamese cuisine, mushrooms, etc.

The group went to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation's city livelihoods centre, where the goods made by self-help organisations are displayed and offered for sale. In addition, the team members went to the Geeta Nagar Shelter for Urban Homeless, according to the officials.

The group of Tamil Nadu government representatives "expressed great pleasure with the experience obtained during the tour to Assam and hoped that this experience would be extremely beneficial in the work of NULM, Tamil Nadu," the statement read.

A delegation from the Mizoram government would also visit Assam shortly to research the Assam model for eradicating urban poverty, according to officials of NULM, Assam.

According to an official statement, the state's accomplishments in developing e-commerce and sustainable livelihoods for the urban poor under the strong leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal "have now become an example for other states in the nation."

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