Agartala, July 30: In a significant move towards empowering women, a 20-day training program has been launched in Tripura’s Sipahijala district. This initiative aims to teach women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) the art of making jute bags. Organized under the Rural Livelihood Mission, the program is taking place at the two-story Charilam RD office, where over 30 women are learning sewing techniques.
The training commenced on July 9 and will continue until July 31. Notably, the ‘Lakhpati Didi Yojana’ is a government initiative designed to help rural women in SHGs earn a stable annual income of 100,000 rupees.
Khela Bhumik Debnath, Chairperson of the Charilam Block Panchayat Committee, visited the training camp on Wednesday. The Rural Livelihood Mission plans to establish a jute bag production unit in collaboration with these women, enabling them to create various products, including file folders and household items, for sale in the market.
Following the training, there are plans to open a unit where women can produce file bags, jute doormats, and decorative items for home use.
Many participants expressed that this program is a step towards their empowerment and will help them realize their dreams of becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis.’ Sampada Dutta, one of the participants, noted that around 30 women are engaged in making jute bags. The central government aims for every woman to become self-reliant and independent, which is why various training programs are being conducted.
In Charilam, several training sessions are held, including bamboo artistry and toy-making. However, the women are particularly pleased with the jute bag training. As Dutta pointed out, while plastic bags dominate the market, they can replace them with jute bags and other items like doormats, decorative wall mats, and handbags, as jute is naturally durable.
Another SHG member, Pintu Bhumik, shared that they started bag-making training about 20 days ago. Using the techniques learned, they are now producing high-quality products. They plan to promote these products for use in government departments, aiming for their sisters to achieve self-reliance. The goal is for all SHG members to become ‘Lakhpati Didis.’
She added that people often talk about avoiding plastic due to its environmental impact. Using jute bags will benefit the environment, and there is currently high demand for these bags, which are used in nearly every event.
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