Question : Implementation of Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY)

(a) whether the Government is implementing Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the aims and objective behind the move;

(c) the details of the States which have implemented AGEY as on date;

(d) the achievement made since the inception of the Yojana along with the funds allocated/utilized for the Yojana;

(e) the challenges faced by the Government while implementing the Yojana;

(f) whether any special provision has been made for women under the said Yojana and if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to implement the Yojana in all the States which will facilitate transport facilities in the rural areas?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

(a) Yes sir.

(b) This Ministry is implementing Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY), the sub-scheme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), to facilitate transport facilities in rural areas and also to provide job opportunities to members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The scheme was launched in August, 2017.

(c) The scheme has been approved for 34 States/Union Territories (UTs), presently 26 States/UTsare implementing the scheme. The current status of the scheme is given in the Annexure.

(d) As on 30th June, 2021, 1811 vehicles are operational across 26 States/UTsunder AGEY.There is no separate budgetary allocation for AGEY. Under the programme, the Community Investment Fund (CIF) provided to Community Based Organisations (CBOs) under the existing provisions of DAY-NRLM is utilised for providing interest free loan to the SHG members.The States/UTs wise allocation of Community Investment Fund(CIF) limit in this regard is detailed in Annexure.

(e) The CIF provided to SHG network is used for various activities including livelihoods. Few States have reported that CIF had competing demands hencesometimes making funds available for AGEY becomes difficult.

(f) Yes sir. The beneficiaries are selected from among the women SHG members of the DAY-NRLM network.

(g) The scheme has been approved for 34 States/UTs. Further, based on the suggestions from the States, AGEY guidelines were modified in December, 2019, removing the upper limit on the number of Blocks and vehicles in a State subject to the total expenditure remaining within the State wise ceiling under the scheme.

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Annexure referred to in reply to Part (c)& (d) of the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2352 to be answered on 03.08.2021 regarding “Implementation ofAajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY)”.

List of the 34 States/Union Territories (UTs) where AGEY is approved and details of allocation of Community Investment Fund (CIF)& Present Progress