Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: In the rugged heart of Bastar’s Sukma district, peace is often measured by quiet roads, restored villages, and the tireless patrols of personnel in uniform. Yet, for years, the families standing behind these frontline officers and security personnel—particularly the women who run their households through long waits and daily challenges—have rarely been the focus of standard welfare programmes.
A new community initiative by the Sukma district police is now working to change that reality. Under the programme titled “Seva Path – Ek Pahal,” the police have launched a free Sewing Training Centre, and the first batch of 150 women from police families has begun an intensive, three-month vocational training course.
The initiative aims to provide these women with hands-on skills in tailoring and garment making, opening doors to direct income generation, micro-enterprise opportunities, and financial independence, officials said.
"Behind every uniform stands a family. While officers patrol remote and challenging terrain, the women at home carry the household responsibilities on their own. The department noted that genuine social security should begin right at home. The move looks squarely at this unheard segment of the community, turning acknowledgment into action,” said Mayank Gurjar, Sukma Superintendent of Police.
At the occasion, the revered Shri Sanjeev Krishna Thakur Maharaj commended the initiative, underscoring that the empowerment of women remains the cornerstone of a progressive society. Expressing optimism, he noted that such grassroots interventions do far more than impart vocational expertise—they nurture deep self-assurance and pave the way towards long-term financial security for women and their families alike.
Babita Shrivas, a beneficiary, appreciated the police department's new training initiative alongside fellow women from police families, citing the programme as a gateway to financial independence by transforming her training into a sustainable livelihood.
The initiative aligns closely with the state leadership’s broader push—championed by CM Vishnu Deo Sai—to uplift underserved communities and provide youth and women with sustainable pathways to self-reliance.
The goal extends far beyond learning how to thread a needle or hem a garment. It is about opening doors to financial independence, self-worth, and dignity. By mastering tailoring and apparel design, these women gain the practical tools required to generate income, establish micro-enterprises, and build a dependable economic cushion for their households.
As Sukma continues to turn the page on past conflict, the police force’s pivot towards grassroots empowerment reflects a deeper philosophy: true security isn't just about tactical success; it is built on a social foundation, compassion, and shared dignity. In equipping the women who nurture these police households with skills and enterprise, the community isn't merely offering vocational training—it is stitching a stronger, more confident future for the entire region.