NIFT Patna Empowers Rural Women with Industry Skills
The National Institute of Fashion Technology in Patna is making a real difference. It is providing rural women in Bihar with practical skills that the fashion industry needs right now. This initiative follows a recent partnership with an institute under the Union textiles ministry.
Training Jeevika Didis in Begusarai
NIFT Patna is currently training Jeevika Didis from Begusarai district. The training focuses on key areas like garment manufacturing, quality control, and operating machinery. This is happening at the institute's extension centre in Begusarai.
The centre launched a special three-month bridge course in sewing operation training last November. This course will conclude by January 30. It is specifically designed for 35 selected women participants.
Course Details and Objectives
Colonel Rahul Sharma, the director of NIFT Patna, explained the course's goals. He said the program aims to equip women with essential industry skills. These include safe machine operation, workplace discipline, and understanding manufacturing culture. The course also covers important soft skills.
Participants are receiving a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 during their training. They are undergoing structured evaluations. This ensures they are fully prepared for jobs at the upcoming Begusarai apparel factory.
Future Batches and Employment Prospects
Sharma shared exciting plans for the future. Immediately after the first batch of 35 women completes training, a new batch will start. This next group will include 70 women selected from lists provided by the Jeevika Didis. Training for this second batch is scheduled to begin in February.
The new Begusarai factory is set to employ 750 women. This initiative directly links rural women to the formal industrial economy. It marks a significant expansion of opportunities for them.
Broader Impact on Bihar
The Jeevika program has already mobilized over 1.4 crore rural women into self-help groups. Traditionally, it focused on microfinance and local enterprises. This new training partnership represents a strategic shift. It connects women directly with larger industrial employment.
Sharma emphasized that the Begusarai unit will contribute to Bihar's industrial growth. It will create broader employment opportunities for the local workforce. This project is a concrete step toward boosting the state's economic development.
