Several women are currently being trained to turn into entrepreneurs by the Rajasthan government. Earlier this year, the Rajasthan government’s industries department and the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) launched the ‘Mission Niryatak Bano’ campaign to promote and encourage aspiring exporters in the state. The campaign was aimed at helping local traders through the registering process in order to expand their business outside of the country.
As a part of the mission, many women have turned into exporters, in turn creating opportunities for employment for more women. In an interview with Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), Rajasthan Export Promotion Council (REPC) CEO PR Sharma said, 'The project is quite ambitious and simple in its form. Those women who have been yearning to do something different are now being connected with us. They are registering with us and are starting their own export business, scripting empowerment and a self-dependency story. It has created jobs for women who are housewives. Many women have joined hands with this initiative which is going a long way to empower women.'
The project helps exporters through six steps which include training, securing necessary documentation, registration in REPC as well as support in exports and trade operations. The project, which has already added around 500+ new exporters, is expecting exports worth ₹50 crores from 22 selected first-time exporters in December 2021.
One of the entrepreneurs who are a part of the mission, Asha Sankhla from Asha Art and Crafts told IANS, 'We make all types of leather bags, canvas bags, leather sofa, chair, tools, butterfly chairs, wall decor products etc. Connecting with Mission Niryatak is sure to help us boost our orders due to which we shall be able to give more work to women artisans associated with us.'
Images used for representational purposes only.