Nalbari (Assam), Sep 9 (ANI): With the decline of militancy in Assam several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and cooperative societies with support from the Centre and state government have taken up the huge task of bringing about a change.
The Bodo women weavers in the Chatra Ghagrapar village of Assam's Nalbari District are happy working on silk looms that help them supplement their family's income.
Earlier, they used to sell liquor in their villages to earn money, as no other jobs were available to them.
This transformation came about with the help of Gramin Bikas Mancha, an NGO that provided them financial and technical support to set up these silk looms.
They now feel confident and can walk with dignity in their village and are able to contribute to their family and send their wards to schools.
This new profession has changed the lives of many, who now weave clothes that are sold here. They earlier used to sell liquor for they were neither financially nor educationally very sound.
Gramin Bikas Mancha, a small NGO, which was established in 1999, has been working towards changing the lives of rural women in the region.
It helps in setting up the looms initially and then provides the weavers a strong marketing base for their products both within and outside the state.
The NGO collaborates with the Northeastern Development Finance Corporation through which loans are given.
To promote the work of these weavers, the NGO also helps them set up stalls at fairs.
Today, the women here have also started their own NGO called "Bagurumba Weaving Society".
"Earlier, they used to make liquor, but now their life has changed completely. They come for weaving regularly and earn money. Many buyers are taking their products, which has led to an increase in their income," said Gramin Bikas Mancha General Secretary Dibakar Deka.
There are nearly 85000 similar self help groups that are operating in the region working in different areas like agriculture, handloom, poultry, dairy, small food processing unit, bee keeping, cane and bamboo craft and weaving with a large number of rural people. (ANI)
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