DAY-NRLM and Livelihood Transformation among Tribal Households: An Empirical Study of Khuntpani and Manoharpur Blocks of West Singhbhum District, Jharkhand

The present study examines the socio-economic characteristics of tribal households participating in the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and compares their reported livelihood outcomes in Khuntpani and Manoharpur blocks of West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. The study is based on primary data collected from 400 respondents, comprising 200 respondents from each block. It focuses on livelihood activities, landholding patterns, household income, savings, food security, migration for wage employment, and the adoption of environment-friendly agricultural practices. The findings expose significant differences in the socio-economic conditions and livelihood strategies of households across the two blocks, displaying changes in occupational dependence, and livelihood opportunities. The study highlights the importance of self-help groups (SHGs), savings mobilisation, access to financial services, livestock-based activities, agricultural support, and livelihood diversification in strengthening tribal livelihoods.