In keeping with the mission’s need to learn from, support and inculcate innovative initiatives, the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) will promote novel approaches in the form of innovative and special projects. The objective of projects under this component will be to implement a time-bound programme to demonstrate an approach that is likely to have wide implications for sustaining urban poverty alleviation efforts.

A project taken up under this component may include pioneering approaches, innovations to strategies under NULM, or catalysing efforts in geographical areas where these have not been undertaken before. These projects may also include activities not possible to address through the normal course of NULM implementation. Further, special projects to address livelihood issues of most vulnerable sections like physically-challenged, rag pickers, domestic workers, rickshaw pullers, sanitation workers and other such vulnerable groups may also be taken up.

Innovative/special projects may be undertaken on a partnership mode involving CBOs, NGOs, semi-government Organisations, private sector, industry associations, government departments/agencies, urban local bodies, national/state/city resource centres or international organisations.

The proposals for Innovative & Special Projects must be situated in the cities covered by NULM.