New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi on Wednesday launched an initiative to train and equip underprivileged women in urban areas with skills to find employment in the hospitality sector.
Speaking at the event here, she said: "Several niche ideas should come up to train and equip women to make them self-dependent."
"Last year, our ministry launched STEP and called for the ideas from non-governmental organisations to train 200 women across the country. Out of the 6,000 applications received, 5,999 applications mentioned about stitching and weaving work," the minister said.
The event was organised by the Le Meridian and Joining Hands, a non-profit organisation which works in the education, environment and health sectors.
"I welcome the initiative where women will be trained hospitality skills like front office work, kitchen, housekeeping, food and beverages and many more, Meneka Gandhi added.
Speaking at the event, Sushila Varma of Joining Hands said: "Our programme's objective is to reach out to a large number of unemployed individuals and increase livelihood opportunities by introducing sector-specific courses for the underprivileged youth who want to learn. And for this they have to pay Rs.300 per month only."
The six-month course will impart necessary training to 25 women in the age group of 18-35.
