For 50 members of self-help groups in Tiruchi district of Tamil Nadu, the prospect of undertaking white-collar jobs in a foreseeable future could be alluring enough.
Hitherto trained only in the manufacture of pickle, masala and puppets, the chosen members are the fortunate lot among thousands of their ilk in the district to expect a rapid economic transformation in their lives.
Courtesy: The State Government's decision to impart them training in Information Technology throughout the State through Computer Science departments of engineering colleges affiliated to the Anna University. The objective is `building skills of SHG women in establishing Information Kiosks'.
According to G. Jeyalakshmi, Project Officer, Mahalir Thittam, who coordinates the training programme, the SHG members have been split into two groups to be trained at M.A.M. Engineering College, Siruganur, and Kurinji College of Engineering, Manapparai.
Beneficiaries of the programme would be facilitated to set up information kiosks for income generation activities. But they have been strictly told by the Mahalir Thittam officials to avoid running the kiosks with the help of male members of their families.
"For the underlying objective of the programme - to empower women to achieve economic independence - would remain unachieved awry if men enter the scene," says G. Ravindran, Assistant Project Officer, Mahalir Thittam.
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