You don't have to step outside your home to start earning a living of your own — and in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, a growing number of women are proving exactly that. The town's RSETI centre has become a launchpad for women who want to build their own livelihoods and add to their family's income. Those interested in learning more or signing up can contact the department directly.
From a self-help group to a free skill
The whole programme follows a simple chain. A woman first joins a self-help group in her own area, then receives free training in various trades at the centre, and finally gets support to set up her own work. The aim is clear: women learn to make products themselves, launch a business from home, and become self-reliant.
Incense sticks, and lives that change
Kiran, who lives in a village in Tundla, told Local 18 that she came to know about a group after finishing her household chores. She joined it, and that is where her training began. She is currently learning to make dhoopbatti and agarbatti, with the goal of running a business of her own.
Another woman, Kamla Devi, did no work earlier. She has now begun training in making incense sticks too, which will help her set up self-employment from home. Several other women are learning the same skills alongside her at the centre.
Rani, the trainer who teaches the women, said that women from rural areas are coming in to learn. She explained that they first connect with a self-help group in their locality, after which they get support to move towards self-employment.
Loans of up to ₹500000 to power the start
At this centre in Husaini, the training doesn't stop at teaching a skill — once it is done, women are also given financial backing to establish their work. The trainer said that women training here will be provided loans of up to ₹500000 to start their own business, so they can become self-reliant and earn well while working from home.
A beauty-parlour course and a summer push
The centre teaches more than incense-making; a beauty-parlour course is on offer too. Niharika Sharma, who came here for the free training, said the beauty-parlour course will help her run her own business, and that she is learning it well.
Hemlata, another trainee, said the centre runs different kinds of courses from time to time. This summer season, a beauty-parlour course is under way, and she comes here every day to learn it. Once she completes it, she plans to open her own beauty parlour and start a business — her path to becoming self-reliant.
