Podbhatta village, Markapally Panchayat, Malkangiri Sadar Block has become a new hub for women empowerment. The district has earned a unique identity as a “teleging hub or village”. Due to the efforts of women, an annual turnover of more than 50 lakh rupees is being done. After training from Mission Shakti, Samari Muduli, a tribal woman of the village, has become the head of the producer group.
The members of the self-help group are making clothes for schools, colleges and other places starting from anganwadi. They have become self-reliant and shown others a way of earning income. The district administration has also extended a helping hand by providing them with a special house and a modern sewing machine. Podbhatta is now known as a teleging village. There are 80 families in the village and the population is more than 600. However, more than 50 families have sewing machines in their homes. Almost all the women have taken up sewing as a profession. It has become a means of improving their livelihood. The family’s financial standard has been strengthened by earning a good two paisa. Many do not have to go out of the state to earn money. There are 3 SHGs in the village. The members have formed the ‘Gurupriya Sewing Producers Group’. The members are making uniforms for Anganwadi children, school and college students. They are also sewing other clothes. They are earning a regular income by providing work as per the schedule. It is said that the turnover is about 50 lakh rupees annually. Samari’s significant contribution is behind the success of the women. Due to her hard work and struggle, the Gurupriya Production Group has become an example for others.
Samari said that she has little education. She used to run her family by doing household chores. In 2016, she took sewing training through Mission Shakti. She bought a sewing machine with an SHG loan. She herself earned a living and inspired other women in the village to take interest in it. After their training, the initiative to form the ‘Guru Piya Sewing Producers Group’ was started. Women from 3 SHGs are its members. They provide clothes to others as per the order along with government tenders. In the last 4 years, 2 It has been reported that the business is worth more than Rs. 1 crore. The district administration has also extended its support. District Magistrate Pratesh Arvind Rajshirke said that the SHG women of Podbhatt have set an example in the district. To further their success, the administration has built a sewing house at a cost of about Rs.
10 lakh. In addition, more than 30 high-quality sewing machines have been provided. Due to which the production capacity has increased. More and more women have got employment opportunities. The administration has said that they will be provided with more training, government assistance, and advanced machinery. Steps will also be taken to provide market facilities and increase employment.
