Journeys of Grit, Pathways of Growth

Key Highlights:

• Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) empower unemployed rural youth and women aged 18-50 years through free, short-term, practical training.
• Operating under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), RSETIs promote self-employment and micro-enterprises.
• As of March 2026, 632 RSETIs are functional across 33 States/UTs, covering 619 districts, supported by 25 sponsor banks.
• Since inception in 2009 until February 2026, RSETIs have trained 60.63 lakh candidates, achieving 99.7% of the target.
• Out of those trained, 43.89 lakh candidates have secured sustainable livelihoods, with 22.52 lakh accessing bank finance.
• The year 2024-25 recorded the highest annual training achievement, with 6.21 lakh candidates trained.

Detailed Insights:

• RSETIs function through a three-way partnership involving the Ministry of Rural Development, State/UT governments, and sponsor banks.
• They offer 73 diverse courses spanning agriculture, manufacturing, services, and entrepreneurship, aligned with national skill standards.
• Sponsor banks play a crucial role by ensuring trainees have access to credit, facilitating the establishment of viable enterprises.
• The program aims to transform aspirations into economic activity, fostering self-reliance and dignity in rural communities.
• Success stories highlight the transition from daily wage work or limited opportunities to becoming employers and entrepreneurs.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs): District-level institutes providing free, short-term, residential skill training to unemployed rural youth for self-employment.
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM): A flagship program of the Ministry of Rural Development aimed at poverty reduction through promoting sustainable livelihoods and financial inclusion for rural poor households.
• Self-Help Group (SHG): A small voluntary association of poor people, preferably from the same socio-economic background, who come together for solving their common problems through self-help and mutual help.