- Six months of skill training paved the way for self-employment; she launched her own boutique in Ambikapur.
- She has provided employment to two people and is teaching tailoring skills to four or five others.
- Earning ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 per month in the initial phase; has become proficient in crafting women’s apparel.
When talent is backed by training and opportunity, it can lead to self-reliance and create employment avenues for others. Urmila Singh, a resident of village Rajapur (Post Salhi) in Surajpur district, has proven this by turning the skills acquired through training into her livelihood. After completing a six-month training program, Urmila opened her own boutique in Ambikapur. Today, she earns between ₹12,000 and ₹15,000 per month, employs two people, and trains four to five others in tailoring.
- Turning Talent into Strength: A Journey from a Farming Family
Urmila shares that her parents are farmers. She completed her schooling in her village and subsequently pursued her college education in Surajpur. After finishing her studies, she learned about skill development training opportunities. She underwent a six-month training program through the Jan Shikshan Sansthan. The practical knowledge and tailoring skills gained during the training gave her the confidence to start her own venture.
- Launching Her Boutique in Ambikapur After Training
Upon completing the skill training, Urmila decided to turn her talent into self-employment rather than waiting for a job. She opened her boutique in Ambikapur about three to four months ago, where she creates various types of garments for women. Leveraging the proficiency gained through training, she has quickly begun to expand her work.
- Paving the way for employment—for herself and others
Urmila’s achievement is not limited to merely starting her own business; she has employed two people at her boutique. Additionally, she is teaching the nuances of tailoring and garment making to four or five others, enabling them to acquire skills and create their own means of livelihood.
In this way, the opportunity Urmila gained through training is now extending to others. Her efforts demonstrate that skill development can foster not only self-employment but also create job opportunities at the local level.
- Monthly income of ₹12,000–₹15,000 in the initial phase
Urmila notes that it has been only three to four months since she started the boutique, and she is already earning approximately ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 per month during this early stage. She plans to expand her business further and train more people in the future.
- “This skill gave me the chance to stand on my own feet”
Sharing her journey, Urmila Singh said, “I acquired this skill under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. It has enabled me to stand on my own feet. Now, I am teaching others and have provided employment to two people. We received an opportunity and a scheme that allowed us to become self-reliant. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister for this.”
- A journey from skill acquisition to self-employment and job creation
Under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ (Service Pledge Campaign), Urmila Singh’s story highlights a journey that progresses from acquiring a skill to self-employment and, ultimately, to job creation. The skills acquired through training gave them the opportunity to become financially self-reliant, and now, those very skills are paving the way for others to earn a livelihood.