Pune women group starts first factory

Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) of Pimpri-Chinchwad have created history by setting up an industrial unit at Talwade on the Dehu-Alandi Road to manufacture polythene bags. This is the first such initiative by women SHGs in the region, which will help generate additional employment opportunities for women.

A year ago, around 11 SHGs of Yamunanagar in Nigdi joined hands to set up the Swamini Bachatgat Mahasangh. With a strength of 156 members from SHGs like Yamunagar, Sakhi, Kala, Nirmaljyoti, Mauli, Trimurti, Kumjai, Saraswati, Udan and Sanklap, the mahasangh contributed Rs30 lakh and took a loan of Rs50 lakh from the Bank of Baroda to set up the industrial unit, spread over 5,000 square feet.

Swamini president Swati Mujumdar said initially, 70 women will be given employment at the unit. “They will be imparted formal training before joining,” she said, adding that polythene bags of various sizes will be distributed to sugar and cement factories.

According to Sulabha Ubale, another senior member, the basic objective behind starting the industrial unit was to create more  avenues for women.