In a significant step towards women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihood generation, Merlin Group, in collaboration with the Development Research Communication and Services Centre (DRCSC), organised a capacity-building workshop on jute-based handicrafts for women from the slum communities of Dhapa, Kolkata.
The workshop was graced by Ms. Ekata Bepari, Assistant Director (Eastern Region), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, who encouraged the participants and highlighted various government support schemes available for artisans and self-help groups engaged in jute-based craft production.
The initiative, undertaken by Merlin Group in association with DRCSC, aims to equip women from economically disadvantaged urban communities with market-oriented skills, enabling them to build sustainable sources of income. The programme focuses on training participants in jute handicrafts, block printing, garment production, cloth bag manufacturing and other craft-based activities with strong market potential.
As part of the initiative, 25 women from the Dhapa community have been selected by DRCSC, including several trainees associated with a tailoring centre previously established in the area through a joint effort by Merlin Group, DRCSC and TDH Suisse Homes.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Bepari informed the trainees about the Ministry of Textiles’ initiatives, including Artisan Identity Cards, financial and technical support for self-help groups, participation opportunities in textile fairs and exhibitions across India, travel assistance for artisans, and pension benefits available to artisans above the age of 60. She also noted that six artisans from West Bengal were among the 16 national award recipients honoured this year, while emphasizing the importance of the prestigious Shilp Guru Award.
Participants of the workshop will be organised into self-managed enterprises under the banner of Maa Unnayan Samiti, promoting collective entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and economic independence. To support self-employment efforts, Merlin Group has provided seed capital assistance of ₹15,000 to the organisation.
Speaking on the occasion, Saket Mohta, Managing Director of Merlin Group, said that the company’s CSR initiative, Merlin I Am Kolkata, has been working closely with the residents of Dhapa in partnership with TDH Suisse Homes and DRCSC. He noted that the programme currently supports the education of nearly 490 children from the community and has previously established a digital skill development centre for children as well as a tailoring centre for women.
He expressed confidence that the jute handicraft training programme would not only enhance the skills of participating women but also create long-term opportunities for them to market and sell their products, paving the way towards economic self-reliance.
The training is being conducted by Kadambagachi Banglar Karushilpa Unnayan Sanstha, a registered social welfare organisation formed by experienced artisans. The organisation currently operates marketing-cum-sales outlets in Barasat, Mandarmani and Dhakuria, where products created by the women artisans of Dhapa will be showcased and marketed. It will also facilitate their participation in government-organised exhibitions and fairs.
Through skill development, entrepreneurship promotion and market linkage support, the initiative seeks to transform the lives of women in Dhapa by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and strengthening their economic independence.
