In Hyderabad, 63 lakh members of Self-Help Groups are working to stitch over 70 lakh school uniforms for government school students. The State government has given this responsibility to empower women SHGs, and officials are hoping to have the uniforms ready before the academic year begins.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced during the launch of the Mahila Shakti Scheme that the government aims to make women crorepatis in the next five years by providing interest-free loans totaling Rs 1 lakh crore. Women’s groups have been promised stitching contracts for school uniforms and police uniforms.
The women’s groups across the State are tasked with stitching 70 lakh pairs of clothes to provide uniforms for every student in government schools. Swashakti Stitching Centres have been set up in all districts to train and support women in stitching quality clothes. Previously, this work was given to private companies, but now each woman is provided with seven pairs a day at the stitching centres.
Panchayat Raj Principal Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania emphasized the importance of women excelling in all fields and assured them of a bright future. Cutting machines will be provided in mandals to assist women’s groups in their work. In cities like Hyderabad, women receive better training and ready-made clothes.
Officials reported that 31,940 students out of the target of 43,245 have received uniforms stitched by 721 women groups in Suryapet district. The remaining clothes will be completed on time. Women are paid Rs 50 for each pair of uniform they stitch, with three designs available for girls in different grades.
