‘Pahal’ initiative empowers rural women in Bathinda; 500 employed, 46,000 school uniforms stitched
Ashok Verma
Bathinda (Punjab), April 29, 2026: The Punjab government’s ‘Pahal’ initiative is transforming rural households in Bathinda by providing women with a steady source of income from home.
Under the scheme, nearly 500 women, working through around 150 volunteer groups, are engaged in stitching uniforms for government school students.
Sharing details, Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman said the project, run by the Rural Development and Panchayat Department, not only supports women financially but also ensures quality uniforms for students at affordable rates.
In Bathinda district, two centres—located in Sivian village (Goniana block) and Bajak village (Sangat block)—were assigned a target of producing 40,000 uniforms during 2025–26.
However, the women exceeded expectations by stitching 46,000 uniforms, collectively earning around ₹3 crore. Each uniform earns them ₹60. Encouraged by the positive response, two additional centres have now been established in Jiwan Singh Wala (Talwandi Sabo block) and Raia (Rampura block).
With expansion underway, authorities expect the target to rise to nearly 60,000 uniforms, further boosting employment opportunities.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Kanchan said the initiative is helping women gain hands-on experience beyond stitching, including procurement of fabric, documentation, and quality control as per government standards.“This exposure not only enhances their income but also builds confidence and entrepreneurial skills,” she noted.
The centres in Sivian and Bajak are equipped with machines provided by Ambuja Cement Foundation and the Mittal Group, while the newer centres have been set up with support from the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The infrastructure includes sewing, buttoning, interlocking, and elastic-attaching machines.
Officials say the initiative is creating a win-win situation—empowering rural women economically while ensuring timely supply of uniforms to government school students across the district.