Khiyovali Village (Mukhtasar), Mar 14 : Women of Punjab are trying their hand at self-employment programmes.

The Government of India with the help of North India Technical Consultancy Organisation (NITCON) have set up a self employment training camp in Khiyovali village under the Mukhtasar district of Punjab to impart coaching in sewing to the girls and married woman.

In this camp, the girls are being taught to make school bags, school uniforms and ladies suits.

"The training has been commissioned by the Government. The girls as well as the married women have taken full advantage of this course. Many of them after completion of their courses have either opened up their own boutiques or are making something for themselves and their families while at home," said Manpreet Kaur, an instructor.

After seeing the benefits of this course, many married women have taken up the course.

Almost 30 girls from different villages of this district have joined this course, which will continue for three months.

"This course conducted by the Government is proving beneficial for us. In Punjab, earlier girls were not allowed to go out of their native villages, but now the girls are earning a livelihood for their families. I will also start my own boutique after completing the course. The government will be providing me as much money as I would need for the capital," said Pooja, a trainee.

Rural job schemes introduced by the Government are aimed at ensuring employment through traditional handicraft industries. (ANI)