Chief Minister's sewing machine assistance scheme changed Yashoda's fate

Chhattisgarh / Raipur

Chief Minister's sewing machine assistance scheme changed Yashoda's fate

Raipur | 06-Dec-2024 1643

TNINS

Raipur : The benefits of beneficiary-oriented schemes run by the state's labour department are now visible on the ground. Yashoda, who lives in a modest rented house in Purani Basti, got a sewing machine from Chhattisgarh Bhawan and Other Nirman Karmachari Kalyan Mandal, which has improved her financial condition. Yashoda's life was turned upside down when her elder daughter passed away after a long illness. Her husband worked as an electrician and he was equally sad.

He saw his wife’s suffering and after days of collective grief, they decided it was time to chart a new path. Together, they realised their surviving daughter and son deserved more than the nostalgia of their shattered lives. In a moment of shared resolve, they decided to honour their late daughter’s legacy by securing their children’s future.

Fed up with her risky job of making papad, Yashoda decided to try other professions. When she learnt about the Mukhyamantri Silai Machine Sahayata Yojana under Chhattisgarh Bhawan Evam Anyu Nirman Karmakar Kalyan Mandal, she immediately applied. The scheme gave Yashoda access to resources and support to shift to better-paid home-based work. Yashoda now earns Rs 4000 per month, a little more than she could earn.

The income was much less than before. Life is still tough as we live in a two-room rented house with a rent of Rs 4000 per month, leaving very little savings. she said. But this is a new beginning and Yashoda hopes to grow her business as a tailor.

Yashoda’s story highlights how functional social protection systems can bridge the gap in coverage and meet the needs of vulnerable populations. However, the underlying principles of social protection should always be based on inclusivity and gender accountability, especially for the most marginalised.

This is why social protection schemes must recognise the need to support women doing home-based work. After receiving concrete support through the scheme, Yashoda took up tailoring and began her journey to create a more sustainable livelihood for herself.