The Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) limited, Pune and the Centre of Science for Villages, Wardha in Maharashtra have provided low-cost technology to the potters and Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) who are being trained to manufacture water filters in Jagdalpur , Dantewada and Narayanpur districts of insurgency infested Bastar region, officials stated.
The training programme is being organised by the Science and Technology Council.
So far 80 women had been trained in a total of eight training programmes.
The SHGs have manufactured 800 and local potters 500 water filters. They have donated the water filters free of cost to the villagers.
Sukhai Potai, Sukarwati, Kaushalya and 30 other women participated in the training programme in Narayanpur district.
Eight hundred water filters have been distributed free of cost to families, schools and offices. The families are provided with pure drinking water. An amount of `550 is spent on the manufacture of each 15 litre water filter.
About 500 water filters have been distributed free-of-cost to the local schools and offices in Dantewada district. The filters have been manufactured by the potters in the second phase.
late year, in its bid for a bigger thrust on manufacturing and exports of the crafts of artisans globally, Chhattisgarh government had also established is first ‘Ceramic Glazing Unit’ at Garhfuljhar village in Mahasamund district.
The unit worth `85 lakh is providing training to potters and Terracotta artists to enhance the quality of their products.
Chief Minister Raman Singh had inaugurated the Ceramic Glazing Unit in Mahasamund district.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister had announced that similar units will be established at seven more places of the State including Raipur. The unit will help the traditional potters and artists preparing earthen articles to improve their skills and quality of products.
The Chief Minister had announced to provide `10 lakh for the construction of hostel for the trainees and `10 lakh for construction of concrete road between Garhfuljhar village and Ramchandi temple in the district.
Addressing people on the occasion, Singh had stated that the government is trying to provide modern technology for betterment of the professionals and artists earning their living through traditional works.
Skill enhancement training will be provided to potters, carpenters, masons and other traditional workers. The State government is developing a network of training centers across the State for the purpose, he said.
'We intend to provide ample opportunity for every citizen of the State to become an expert in his profession of his choice and for better employment avenues,' Singh had stated.
He said that Chhattisgarh is the first State which has provided right to youths to get training for skill development. Arrangements are being made for conducting short term training programmes in all 27 districts besides hostel facility for the trainees.
Notably, about 2,607 youth have been employed by the Chhattisgarh State Khadi and Gramodyog Board under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) in the year 2014-15, officials stated.
An amount of `9.12 crore subsidy had been given to establish 335 Village Industries units in State, officials stated.
Margin money subsidy of 25 per cent is given to General Category beneficiaries and 35 per cent subsidy to members of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes', Other Backward Castes and women. The loans have to be returned to the banks in a 7-year period in easy installments and interest.
The officials stated that Poha mills, mini rice mills, crusher plants, pottery making units, soaps' units, candles-agarbattis units, carpentry, iron smiths units, hosiery units, brass-copper utensils making units, Aluminium vessels making units, iron furniture and other units are encouraged by the State Khadi and Gramodyog Board .