Gauthans are no longer a cow shelter, they have now transformed into ‘multi-activity centers’
Raipur: Gauthans are no longer recognized as merely a cow shelter but they have transformed now into ‘multi-activity centers’, empowering women and making them self-reliant. Gauthans are not only boosting employment opportunities in rural areas but have also facilitated in developing a collective spirit among villagers.
Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated one such Gauthan in Katkona village of Koriya district today. More than 140 members belonging to 14 women self-help groups are indulged in various income generating activities here. The work of making potato chips is being done by Jai Maa Kali group, work of manufacturing spices is being done by Shri Ganesh Group, and ‘Dona-Pattal’ manufacturing work is being done by Pratigya Group. Similarly, Mahamaya group is indulged in LED bulb assembling; mini rice mill is being operated by Pratigya group while pulse processing is being done by Roshni group. Likewise, other such women groups are participating in income generating activities including poultry and goat farming, vermi-compost production, developing community kitchen gardens.
Meanwhile, shops are also being operated by the women associated with Shri Ganesh Group and Gondwana Heera Moti Group in the complex built near Gauthan. This is a successful example of a rural industrial park.
Katkona Panchayat Sarpanch Bhuneshwari is herself connected with a women group associated with manufacturing of vermicompost in Gauthan. Over 792 quintals of manure has been manufactured so far while manure worth Rs 7.25 lakh has been sold by the group. Sarpanch Bhuneshwari has deposited an amount of Rs 40,000 (received from sale of vermi-compost) in the bank to secure her daughter’s future. Indrakunwar, the secretary of the group, has got a borewell dug in her house from her share of earning. With this, she has already generated an income of nearly Rs 10,000 by producing organic vegetable in her ‘bari’. As many as 55 women associated with 10 women self-help groups have been connected with livelihood activities through Katkona Gauthan.
