Overview A high-level delegation from the Government of Ethiopia concluded a week-long visit to India to study the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) . This initiative is India’s flagship program for poverty alleviation and women’s economic empowerment. The visit aimed to understand the operational model and implementation strategies of DAY-NRLM . Key Developments Delegation and Representation The wrap-up session included H.E. Molalign Asfaw , Deputy Ambassador of Ethiopia to India , representatives from the World Bank , and Ms. Rajeshwari S. M. , Director, DAY-NRLM , Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) . The Ethiopian delegation comprised representatives from nine regions, one city administration, and two key sectors. Appreciation and Gratitude Ms. Sintayehu Demissie Admasu , Head of the Food and Security Coordination Office (FSCO), Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia , expressed gratitude to the Government of India , the MoRD , and all facilitators for their hospitality and collaboration. The delegates valued the engagement, expertise of Indian officials, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange. Key Observations The delegation commended the standardization and adaptability of NRLM’s design, which customizes program structures to suit diverse local contexts. They were impressed by the role of ‘sakhis’ – community-based facilitators who deliver last-mile support to women across rural India . Innovations such as bank linkages, diversified livelihood activities, and departmental convergence were highlighted as key contributors to social and economic empowerment for women. Future Collaboration The Ethiopian delegates intend to apply the lessons learned from NRLM to their Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) and invited Indian partners to collaborate in driving further innovation. The World Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women’s livelihood transformation in Ethiopia , emphasizing government leadership, enabling policies, and private sector engagement. Long-Standing Partnership The Ambassador of Ethiopia to India emphasized the long-standing partnership between the two nations and the importance of sustained policy exchanges. He recognized India’s global leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and acknowledged Ethiopia’s efforts toward holistic sectoral collaboration. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon key areas such as government policies, international relations, and inclusive growth. The DAY-NRLM is a significant initiative for poverty alleviation and women's empowerment, aligning with GS Paper II (Government Policies and Interventions) and GS Paper III (Inclusive Growth). The collaboration between India and Ethiopia also highlights the importance of international cooperation, relevant to GS Paper II (International Relations). Important Facts for Prelims DAY-NRLM aims to alleviate poverty and empower women. ‘Sakhis’ are community-based facilitators in NRLM . Ethiopia’s PSNP is a potential application area for NRLM lessons. The World Bank supports livelihood programs in Ethiopia . The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) is responsible for DAY-NRLM . Potential Mains Questions Discuss the effectiveness of DAY-NRLM in achieving women's economic empowerment and poverty alleviation. Analyze the potential benefits and challenges of replicating the DAY-NRLM model in other developing countries. Evaluate the role of international organizations like the World Bank in supporting livelihood programs in developing nations.