September 2024
Kalahandi, Odisha

Sabitri, Ranjita, Jhansi and 37 other women have formed a producer group that collectively stitches bags, school dresses, jute bags and office folder readymade garments among many orders in their home village Behera, Odisha.

“Our primary goal was to channel our skills and resources into productive activities that would benefit the entire community,” the women express their mutual thought. Through discussions and a common desire to create something meaningful, they laid the foundation for what would become the Behera Dandapat Producer Group.

Behera is a big village in Kalahandi district of Odisha. More than 10 adjacent villages depend for its weekly marketing. Behera Dandapat Producer Group are selling all their products in the nearby markets earning an average income of Rs.40,000 per month.

During the term 2023-2024 Amrita JSS–Kalahandi approved two batches of Assistant Dressmaker and two batches of Hand Embroidery courses assigning two local tailors as their resource person.  All of these 40 women successfully completed their training, assessed and got certified.

The group emerges

Recognizing the need for economic empowerment and sustainability, these individuals came together with a shared vision of creating a cooperative that could provide them with a steady source of income. The women put their effort together since all of them have an enterprising character to find ways to improve livelihoods.

The resource person and the sarpanch (village head) guided how to register the group and how to avail for the initial finances. The District Administration granted 250 000 rupees as a working capital to run the production group efficiently.

The group operates as a cohesive unit, where each member plays a crucial role in the production process. When orders are received, they gather at their designated workspace to carry out the stitching production tasks. The commitment to their craft and the responsibility of meeting client expectations drive the women to maintain a consistent daily presence at their workspace.

Reliable partner: consistent flow of orders

The group regularly receives significant orders, which provide them with steady work and income. These large orders come periodically, often tied to specific seasons or events.

The group’s reputation for quality work has led to a consistent flow of orders from various clients, including government agencies, schools, and other institutions. The periodic nature of these orders ensures that the group remains active and engaged throughout the year, allowing them to plan and manage their workload effectively.

One of the most notable orders the Behera Dandapat Producer Group received was the production of Indian flags as part of the “Har Ghar Tiranga” program that encourages people to bring the Tiranga, the Indian National Flag, to hoist in their homes.  The District Administration aimed to distribute the national flag to the general public and government institutions across the district.

Acknowledging the importance and scale of this project, The Dandapat Group proactively reached out to the Block Development Officer (BDO) to secure the order. Their successful bid to produce these flags not only brought them significant work but also a sense of pride and honor in contributing to a patriotic cause.

The group has become a reliable partner for the local administration, particularly in fulfilling the needs of government schools. Their ability to deliver quality products on time has solidified their reputation, ensuring a steady stream of work that benefits the entire community.