Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended a free sewing machine distribution event in Coimbatore, highlighting the impact of various government schemes on women's empowerment and financial inclusion.
Coimbatore: A ceremony to distribute free sewing machines to 1,500 underprivileged women who received free tailoring training under the 'Suyam' project was held today at Hindusthan College of Arts and Science in Coimbatore. The event, initiated by Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, was organized jointly by Coimbatore People Service Center and General Insurance Corporation of India. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated as the chief guest.
Speaking at the event, Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan stated that women were not only provided training in a craft but also given the necessary equipment. She added that women who benefited from the Suyam project have now become entrepreneurs.
Vanathi Srinivasan further mentioned that those who learned tailoring could also benefit from the central government's Vishwakarma scheme. However, she pointed out that Tamil Nadu women are unable to access the benefits of the Vishwakarma scheme available to women in other states because the Tamil Nadu government has not published it in the gazette. She urged the Tamil Nadu government to officially announce the Vishwakarma scheme in the gazette.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her address, said it was wonderful to participate in this event that showcases the effort to transform the lives of 1,500 women through the Suyam project in Coimbatore, a city known for its business and industry.
Listing the central government's schemes, the Finance Minister stated that nearly 60% of the accounts under PM Jan Dhan Yojana belong to women, empowering them economically. She added that various schemes including Jal Jeevan Mission and provision of gas cylinders have been improving women's lives.
Sitharaman further revealed that out of 53 crore accounts under PM Jan Dhan Yojana nationwide, 29.6 crore accounts are being used by women. In Tamil Nadu alone, 94 lakh women have Jan Dhan accounts, with 5 lakh in Coimbatore specifically.
The Finance Minister continued, stating that over 2.5 lakh women from Coimbatore have enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and seven lakh women from Coimbatore have joined the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. She also mentioned that more than one lakh women from Coimbatore have enrolled in the Atal Pension Yojana, and 15 lakh women in Coimbatore have benefited from the Mudra scheme.
Sitharaman noted that there are 311 ITI centers exclusively for women's training across the country, with one women's ITI center located in Gaundampalayam, Coimbatore.
She concluded by emphasizing that many schemes have been introduced to enable women to earn income and secure their livelihoods with dignity.