Women's Self-Help Group Revitalizes Palamu Apparel Park with Inner Wear Production
In a significant development for local economic empowerment, members of a women's self-help group (SHG) at the Koyel Aajeevika Apparel Park in Chainpur block, Daltonganj, have successfully revived the facility and commenced manufacturing inner wear. This revival marks a new chapter for the unit, which had become non-functional following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Production Resumes After Four-Year Hiatus
Since February 6, the SHG has produced an impressive 20,000 men's inner wear items, demonstrating a swift return to productivity. During the pandemic, these same women contributed by making masks, showcasing their adaptability and resilience. The apparel park's shutdown post-pandemic posed challenges, but strategic planning by local officials has now borne fruit.
Key officials involved in the revival include Palamu's deputy development commissioner (DDC) Jawed Hussain and district programme manager (DPM) of the Jharkhand State Livelihood Mission Society (JSLPS) Anita C Kerketta. Along with their team, they orchestrated the park's comeback. Hussain expressed optimism, stating, "Our Aajeevika Apparel Park is back to business after four years of shutdown. We are planning to expand its infrastructure in times to come."
Infrastructure and Employment Impact
The park is equipped with 30 state-of-the-art sewing machines, as confirmed by production manager Ashok Ghosh. Currently, 60 women are employed as sewing operators, with each member earning approximately Rs 6,000 per month. This income generation is crucial for enhancing livelihoods in the region.
DPM Kerketta highlighted future plans, noting, "We are planning to manufacture state government school uniforms soon." This expansion could further boost production and create additional employment opportunities.
Partnerships and Operational Details
To ensure sustained operations, the Palamu Zila Parishad has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Leisure and Life Style Pvt Ltd. This agreement, valid for the period 2024-25, focuses on the production of stitched fabric. The Zila Parishad has leased the Koyel Aajeevika Apparel Park to the firm for an annual rent of Rs 10 lakh, providing a stable revenue stream.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite the progress, the park faces significant electricity issues. Ghosh pointed out that power supply disruptions hamper production, with outages lasting a minimum of 3 to 4 hours on most days. While a backup generator is available, it is costly to operate—a 25 KV generator consumes six litres of fuel every hour, adding to operational expenses.
Addressing these electricity woes will be essential for seamless functioning and maximizing the park's potential. Officials are likely to explore solutions to mitigate these challenges as they plan for future growth and expansion.
