Skill Training to 4,000 Women Annually — Minister Praises SOSVA’s Flagship Programme
Marginalised Women Now Earning ₹15,000–₹20,000 Monthly After Skill Training
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Punjab Social Security, Women Empowerment and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today attended the review meeting of NGOs promoted by the State Organisation for Social Service & Voluntary Action (SOSVA) as the Chief Guest at MGSIPA.
The Minister appreciated SOSVA for effectively implementing women empowerment and reproductive child health projects across the State. She noted that SOSVA—designated as a Mother NGO by the Punjab Government—has been functioning actively since 2002 and has also been successfully executing initiatives such as Remedial Coaching for weak students, IDU projects in Chandigarh, and FSW and IDU projects in Phagwara.
Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that women empowerment has emerged as SOSVA’s flagship programme, with training being provided in Skin & Hair Care, Cutting & Tailoring, and Computer Applications to poor and needy women. Around 3,000 to 4,000 women across Punjab receive training every year under 98 projects implemented through 65 NGOs.
The Minister said these initiatives reflect Chief Minister S.Bhagwant Singh Mann’s firm commitment to empowering women by providing them meaningful skill training and sustainable livelihood opportunities across Punjab. The Minister further added that the Punjab Government stands shoulder to shoulder with all non-governmental organisations that are empowering girls and women across the state by providing them skill training and helping them become self-reliant.
She noted that these training programmes are significantly benefiting women from economically weaker sections, enabling them to secure employment or start home-based ventures. As per SOSVA’s feedback, many trained women are now earning between ₹15000 to ₹25,000 per month, depending on their skill level and area of work.She further appreciated that several women have become self-reliant by starting their own small units, including tailoring shops, boutiques, and beauty parlours. The Minister added that the training modules are rigorous, monitored by qualified instructors, and followed by examinations to ensure skill proficiency.
Monitoring of these projects is carried out by senior retired government, Army, Banking, and University officers who provide guidance to ensure quality and improve implementation.