Local leaders inaugurated the Savitribai Phule Skill Development Training Centre in Bajatturu Gram Panchayat on Saturday, a move aimed at boosting employment and household incomes in the Uppinangadi area of Karnataka. Built at a cost of ₹20 lakh, the centre is funded under a combination of central and state rural livelihood schemes and will offer practical training and scheme awareness to local women.
women’s skill development India advances from Uppinangadi centre
Addressing the gathering, MLA Ashok Kumar Rai said the government has launched several targeted programmes and is opening training centres to ensure women can participate and benefit. He urged women to use the facility to become self-reliant and to contribute actively to village development. Rai said cooperative members at the centre must also inform residents about available schemes so eligible women can submit applications.
The two-storey Savitribai Phule Skill Development Training Centre was constructed under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission and the Sanjeevini Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Mission, with contributions from the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, and the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods. Local officials described the centre as a hub for practical, income-generating skills.
Putturu Taluk Panchayat Operations Officer Naveen Bhandari highlighted the training focus. He said women with determination can find sustainable livelihoods through courses in beekeeping, tailoring and embroidery, and other locally relevant skills. The Sanjeevini cooperative will run many of the training modules and provide ongoing advisory support to participants.
Officials and local representatives present included Bajatturu Gram Panchayat president Gangadhar Gowda, Taluk Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee chair Umanath Shetty, Taluk Panchayat assistant director Wilfred Lawrence Rodrigues, NREGA technical assistant Lakshmi, Sanjeevini cooperative president Bhavya Shetty, vice-president Vimal and several panchayat members and officers. Their presence underlined the multi-agency support for the initiative.
In a related development, the Sanjeevini cooperative marketed a new tamarind-based product prepared by cooperative member Lolakshi. The MLA released the product to the market, signalling an emphasis on value addition and local entrepreneurship as part of the centre’s broader objectives.
Local organisers said the centre will combine practical training with information sessions about government schemes, addressing a recurring barrier: lack of awareness that prevents many eligible women from applying for benefits. The project aims to bridge that gap and accelerate women’s access to economic opportunities.
By pairing vocational training with cooperative support and market orientation, the initiative seeks to create sustainable income streams for women while strengthening village economies. Local leaders expressed confidence the centre will become a focal point for livelihood improvement and community development in Uppinangadi.
Key Takeaways:
- New Savitribai Phule Skill Development Training Centre inaugurated in Uppinangadi to train local women.
- Programme funded at ₹20 lakh under state and central rural livelihood schemes to support self-reliance.
- Training in beekeeping, tailoring and embroidery planned alongside cooperative-led awareness on government schemes.
- A tamarind-based market product launched by the cooperative highlights local value addition.
