Jammu and Kashmir: Women hail skill development centres in the state

Women in Jammu and Kashmir have hailed the state government for introducing a skill development programme in Rajouri district.

The girls, who have dropped out of schools or are living in economic austerity, join these training centres and learn various handicrafts.

Their stipend has been increased from Rs.500 per month to Rs.700 considering their financial problems.

"Girls, living in border areas, are taught various things, for example, making bedsheets, shawls, among others, so that they have some or the other talent. After learning from here, women and girls, who come from far-flung areas, open their own centres in their area or at their homes," said Gurez Akhter, a teacher at one of the centres.

She hopes the government will further increase the stipend to at least Rs. 1000.

This initiative aims to provide self-employment to the girls, and also gives special preference to orphans, financially weak women and widows.

Till now, more than 23 centres have been set up in the district.

--ANI