Jeypore, Feb 18: The Kendupatra Forest Division Office in Jeypore has shown a new path of livelihood for young women from kendu leaf plucker families. It has emerged as a major support system for these households, helping women become self-reliant through skill development and job placement.
Under various government welfare schemes for kendu leaf pluckers, families are already receiving incentives and benefits. Adding to this, the Forest Division launched a special initiative to provide skill training and employment opportunities to women members of these families.
In the first phase, 13 girls from kendu leaf plucker families in Malkangiri, Padmagiri, Sikapali, and Kotameta areas were motivated by forest officials and staff to undergo tailoring training. After counseling, they received sewing training through the voluntary organization Gram Tarang.
Following completion of the 45-day tailoring course, the trainees demonstrated their skills successfully. A garment company then offered employment to all 13 young women. They have traveled by bus to work at a textile company in Tiruppur.
Beneficiaries include Pradeep Sodi, Madhuri Sodi from Dangasakhol, and Shanti Kumari and Krishna Kumari from Nandiwada, who are now working toward financial independence through their jobs.
Forest Division Officer Uma Mahesh stated that this is the first time daughters of kendu leaf plucker families from the Jeypore division have been given such structured skill development opportunities, and efforts are underway to open a dedicated training center for them in the near future.
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