Empowerment centre eyeing private orders

CHANDIGARH: Authorities at UT administration’s Empowerment Centre, which was set up in June 2008 in Sector 19 to help women belonging to economically weaker sections of society earn a living, have decided to approach private organizations, institutes and schools for orders to stitch uniforms of their staff and students.
Director (social welfare) Samwartak Singh said if the idea found takers, the centre could turn into a model facility.
In 2008-09, the year of its inception, the centre earned revenue of Rs 2.81 lakh.
Out of that, Rs 2.45 lakh came through skilled labour of its members, and Rs 35,943 from sale of products made there.
The centre handles stitching orders and manufactures nightwear, upholstery, and other articles of clothing for women, infants and children.
Its honorary chairperson, Pallavi Singh, said charges for stitching at the centre were 40-50% lower than those prevalent in the open market.
“We stitch women’s suits for just Rs 75, which would cost Rs 150 outside. Curtains are stitched here for Rs 25 per piece against Rs 30-35 in other places. We charge Rs 22 for stitching pillow covers, which would otherwise cost Rs 35,” she stated.
Earnings took a quantum leap in 2009. The centre got an order worth Rs 18.24 lakh from anganwaris to make uniforms of their workers. It also earned Rs 23,031 as proceeds from sales of its products till November end.
Out of revenue of Rs 18.47 lakh for this financial year, Rs 12 lakh have been paid to workers and the remaining amount added to the centre’s corpus.
“Workers are remunerated in the ratio of 70:30,” said the honorary chairperson.
The centre provides training of stitching, embroidery, dress designing and beauty culture to women and employs experienced workers to guide them.
Officials said UT social welfare department intended to distribute pamphlets and advertise in newspapers to publicize the facility’s services.
The centre’s incharge, Rajni Gupta, said, “We will work for private concerns and individuals instead of depending on government orders, so we have a continuous flow of income.”
“The ride ahead may seem bumpy, but with the right roadmap we will get there,” remarked Pallavi Singh.