Bishnupur women lead the way in self-dependency

Wangoo, Bishnupur (Manipur), Aug 30 (ANI): Setting an exemplary precedent of grit to achieve self-sufficiency, women here have turned entrepreneurs and become financially independent.

It all began a decade back, when Amom Randhoni Devi, a local, came up with the idea of earning some extra income for her family.

Today, over 3000 women are involved in the business of waving fishnets and supplying them across the northeast, with Devi employing over 200 of them.

Speaking to reporters here, Devi said that fishnet weaving has made her financially independent.

"Whatever I earn from fishnet weaving, I add it to my household income and use it for my children's studies," she said.

Devi's idea has generated employment for the women of Wangoo Ahallup Chithek Leikai and has made them financially independent, who earn around Rs. 5000- 6000 per month, and are able to contribute to their family's income.

Earlier paddy cultivation was the most important occupation in the area, but now fishnet weaving is an important part of the village economy as well.

The fishnets are produced in 10 different sizes and each artisan can weave 4 to 5 fishnets on daily basis.

The weavers however, seek government's assistance to enhance the reach of their initiative.

Ibesana Devi, one of the fishnet weavers said, "If the government helps us, we can generate more employment. There are many who do not have work and are wasting their time. We want to help them take up this work."

There are many self-help groups and communities in the northeast that are working towards empowering women.

Government organizations like Nedfi provide micro finance to these groups, while flagship projects like MGNREGA, Swarnjayanti Gram Rozgar Yojna, Indira Mahila Yojna and many others, also help generate employment opportunities for women in the region. (ANI)