A group of 30 rural woman is weaving dreams to open own enterprise in handloom sector under the training and guidance Deepika Hasta Kargha (DSK), a forum set up by Rourkela Steel Plant to promote handloom. With an aim to train unskilled and unemployed rural women, the DSK has proved a boon for many.
A housewife, Sunita Lakra, who is a resident of Jhirpani, has completed her four months’ training and after two months, she will be ready to open her own small enterprise. “After training I will be able to earn between ` 10,000 and ` 15,000 every month. I hope to support my family and ensure better future of my daughter with my earnings,” she said.
Another young woman Reena Verma of Bartoli village said she wants to support her poor family.
Entirely in line with expectations of the rural women, the handloom centre is helping women since its inception in October last year. It is working to empower women of Rourkela and its periphery areas to keep alive the glorious tradition of handloom textile of the State.
The first batch of women undergoing training belongs to Dalposh, Jhirpani and Bartoli villages. They are trained in weaving bedsheets, dress materials and cotton sarees.
They are also trained in starching and dyeing of the material. During the training, they are also paid a monthly stipend of ` 4,000.
Sources said the women are imparted with skills and tricks of the textile business. They are also trained to experiment in designing.
After completion of the course, they will be able to open their own enterprise and some may get the opportunity to work with the centre as it is venturing into commercial production.