Chamoli, Uttarakhand – February 27: Amid the scenic peaks of this Himalayan district, women are weaving a new tapestry of empowerment. The Prime Minister’s Skill Development Scheme has trained more than 200 locals in high-demand crafts like jute bag production, tailoring, embroidery, and handmade items, fostering economic independence.
Training centers buzz with activity as instructors impart cutting-edge methods, trendy patterns, and rigorous quality checks. Participants aren’t just learning to make products; they’re mastering the art of selling them. Lessons cover packaging flair, online outreach, and direct customer engagement to tap into growing markets for sustainable goods.
Graduates are hitting the ground running. Self-help groups are churning out bulk orders, while individual entrepreneurs ship creations across states. The eco-conscious boom in jute products has turned hobbies into livelihoods, with regular earnings lifting households out of financial strain.
‘This training opened doors I never knew existed,’ said beneficiary Sulochna Tiwari. ‘From homemaker to businesswoman, I’m now supporting my family and gaining respect in society.’ Her transformation mirrors a broader shift, where skill-building boosts not just incomes but self-esteem and social roles.
As these women expand their reach, Chamoli emerges as a beacon for women’s entrepreneurship in rural India. This initiative demonstrates how targeted training can spark lasting change, encouraging more communities to follow suit.