Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Sep 19: The state’s first Savitribai Phule Women’s Skill Development Centre was inaugurated at Mani gram panchayat on Friday under the joint aegis of Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, department of rural development and panchayat raj, department of skill development, entrepreneurship and livelihood, National Rural Livelihood Mission Sanjeevini, Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat, Bantwal taluk panchayat and Mani gram panchayat.
Zilla panchayat project director Jayaram K E inaugurated the centre by lighting the lamp. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “For the first time in the state, the Savitribai Phule Skill Development Centre has been inaugurated at Mani. In a male-dominated system, there is a need to remove gender discrimination and bring equality. The Sanjeevini campaign, launched to recognize the skills of every woman, is contributing to women’s empowerment.”
Presiding over the programme, Mani gram panchayat president Sudeep Kumar Shetty said the centre should help rural women not only of Mani but also from surrounding areas to lead a self-reliant life.
CEO of Vijaya Rural Development Foundation, Mangaluru, Jyothi Raj, in her address, said the foundation has been identifying rural talents and providing training that supports business growth. She urged the participants to make use of central government schemes that encourage self-employment.
On the same occasion, the valedictory of a 15-day embroidery skill training programme was held, jointly organized by Vijaya Rural Development Foundation Mangaluru, Bank of Baroda Mani branch, Bharatiya Vikas Trust Manipal, and Manikya Sanjeevini Panchayat-level Federation, Mani. Certificates were distributed to the trainees.
Taluk panchayat executive officer Sachin Kumar, programme manager of Bharatiya Vikas Trust Manipal Jeevan Kolya, gram panchayat vice president Sujata, president of Manikya Sanjeevini Federation Vijaya, manager of Bank of Baroda Mani branch Abhilash, gram panchayat development officer Girija, trainers Meenakshi, Deeksha, Akshita and MBK Swati were present on the dais.
Taluk panchayat manager Sudha delivered the introductory address. Community resource person Laila welcomed and proposed the vote of thanks. Mani gram panchayat member Balakrishna Alva compered the programme, while taluk panchayat staff Deekshita and Sanghavi extended support.