THOOTHUKUDI: District Collector Dr K Senthil Raj gave away subsidy-linked loans to the widows, who received sustainable skill development training under the NABARD-sponsored scheme, during a function at Sathankulam taluk office. The district administration rolled out the sustainable skill development programme in order to improve the living standards and financial status of widows and the destitute in April with a promise of bank linkage and subsidised loans for self-employment. Over 1500 women were shortlisted for the training.
NABARD sanctioned Rs 14.89 lakh for the sustainable skill development programme to provide stipends for the trainees. In a press statement, collector Dr K Senthil Raj said over 150 women had completed training in various disciplines like embroidery, tally-computer skills, and tailoring in the first phase. As many as nine women and 11 SHGs were given subsidy-linked loans. Further, 50 women were provided training certificates on the occasion.