The work to separate feeders in Madhya Pradesh under Atal Jyoti Abhiyan for separate power supply for agriculture fields and rest of population has been completed. Thanks to contribution of power in State's development, women entrepreneurs have knitted a net of cottage industries, which has not only uplifted their living standards, but has also improved their economic condition. Training programmes under 'Hand In Hand India' were held in villages in collaboration with Asian Development Bank. Under it, electricity-driven cottage industry units were started and women were imparted training to set up small self-industries. These women are now earning Rs. 500 to Rs. 3000 per day since they have found haat bazaars in villages, markets in cities and opportunities to sell their produce in big malls of Bhopal and Indore. In 6 districts of Bhopal division, women have set up 5,272 cottage industries.
First of all, women were imparted training in villages. They would train in safe, energy-efficient and effective operation of electric gadgets. Women from 18 to 35 years of age were trained. Attention was also paid to uplift women living below poverty line. Under the project, 20 thousand 729 women were trained. In the training, 5,272 women from Bhopal division, 6,541 from Jabalpur division and 8,916 women from Indore division participated. Now these women are producing lightings set up at the time of Diwali, lED bulbs, blouses and various dresses of males and females, bangles made of lakh, paintings, earthen lamps and statues, Donas made of paper, earthen vessels etc. Their products are being sold at Bhopal and Indore district headquarters and even at tehsil headquarters. Their products are so beautiful that their stall has been put up in DB Mall of Bhopal. As a result, these women are helping their families and brining improvement in their living standards. Their children are studying in prestigious schools. They are getting sound health facilities. These women have also constructed toilets in their houses.
In all, 26 districts covered under the project. They include Alirajpur, Dewas, Indore, Jhabua, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Ujjain, Agar, Ashok Nagar, Bhind, Datia, Guna, Gwalior, Morena, Rajgarh, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Narsinghpur, Panna, Sagar, Seoni and Tikamgarh.