Livelihood refers to a source of income for people to live their lives. While there are several ways for people to earn their livelihood, in rural areas the opportunities are scarce. This is because there are fewer industries and development activities carried out in those areas. 

However, there are government bodies like the Ministry of Rural Development, Bharat Rural Livelihood Mission and more that work towards creating livelihood opportunities. If you wish to keep yourself updated on the new schemes, policies, and activities carried across the country, here are 10 Twitter handles to follow. 

10 Twitter handles for livelihood updates in India

1. Ministry of Rural Development 

The Ministry of Rural Development is a branch of the Government of India that is entrusted with the task of accelerating socio-economic projects for rural India. 

Why follow? 

The Twitter handle shares times updates on schemes related to health, education, piped drinking water, public housing, roads and more. It also shares details about upcoming activities of the GOI to improve rural infrastructure. Follow them here. 

2. Ministry of Panchayati Raj 

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is a branch of the GOI that monitors and implements the Panchyat Act 1996. It addressed the planning, budgeting, implementation of projects, and ensures the delivery of services to all citizens. 

Why follow? 

On the official Twitter page, you can find information about the ground-level work being out regularly to transform rural India. There are also timely updates about the latest schemes and visions to empower rural people. Follow them here. 

3. Ministry of Micro, Small. Medium, Enterprises

The Ministry of MSME is an apex executive body of the GOD that formulates rules, regulations, laws relating to MSMEs in India. Being a major contributor to the socio-economic development in the country, MSME includes industries involved in manufacturing and services.  

Why follow? 

On the Twitter handle the Ministry carries out various awareness programmes to promote entrepreneurship. You can also find invites to various virtual events hosted by experts in the industry. There are also timely updates regarding new schemes and policies that can benefit MSMEs. Follow them here. 

4. Livelihoods India

Livelihoods India is a national-level initiative that was launched in 2010. It aims to bring together diverse stakeholders on a single platform to discuss critical issues that affect and impede the livelihoods of the underprivileged. 

Why follow? 

The organisation shares key issues and challenges that the poor face in sustaining their livelihoods in India. They also craft strategies and visions to provide them with better opportunities. You can also receive invitations to virtual events hosted by experts. Follow them here. 

5. Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation

This organisation was set up by the GOI, under the Ministry of Rural Development. It aims to scale up and empower rural India, impoverished populace and indigenous tribes through partnerships with State and Central Governments.

Why follow? 

On their official handle, you can read about the ground-level work carried out, the people it has benefitted, and upcoming projects. You can also find invites to webinars and talk from experts regarding current issues that the rural population faces. Follow them here.  

6. India Livelihoods Collective 

The ILC is a platform that aims to leverage the cross-sectional expertise of various organisations to create livelihoods opportunities. The collective includes CSR foundations, social impact investors, think tanks, innovators among others. 

Why follow? 

Through their handle, you can stay updated on social work happening around the country, new government policies, schemes and more. They also amplify stories about changemakers, rural innovators, and women achievers. Follow them here. 

7. Livelihood Alternatives 

This organisation was launched to break the vicious cycle of poverty and unemployment and provide ideal work conditions for people. They aim to achieve this through the engagement of rural people and collaboration with other organisations. 

Why follow? 

You can find updates on activities carried about by LA and the new opportunities they create. They share success stories about those who benefitted from their initiatives and other livelihood-related updates. Follow them here. 

8. National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) 

This mission - NRLM aims to create efficient platforms for the rural poor to increase their household income. This is being done through sustainable livelihood enhancements and improved access to financial services. 

Why follow? 

On their handle, you can find updates on new livelihood schemes and updates in old policies. There are briefs about upcoming and existing financial loans, their benefits, and other details. Follow them here.

9. Giriraj Singh 

Giriraj Singh is an Indian politician who is currently the Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. 

Why follow? 

You can receive first-hand information about new rural development schemes, loans, and updates about government activities carried out. Through his tweets are personal, there are official announcements shared too. Follow him here. 

10. Press Information Bureau (PIB) 

The PIB is a nodal agency of the Government of India (GOI) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Its primary duty is to disseminate information to print, web, and electronic media on government policies, initiatives, and achievements. 

Why follow? 

On Twitter, the official agency shares timely updates regarding rural development schemes, entrepreneurship opportunities, the latest finance schemes and more. This also includes any changes in the old projects, COVID-19 guidelines for MSMEs, and more.