To encourage women in drought-hit Bundelkhand to use their artisan skills to generate income, the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh has embarked on an awareness programme in the area.
The RMK, an autonomous body under the ministry of women and child development, has sanctioned about Rs 1.15 crore to seven non-governmental agencies in Bundelkhand.
Kicking off the first phase by distributing loan cheques, Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath told an audience of rural women how there would be a market in Delhi and other cities for their work.
"You make baskets from cane and grass but with a little bit of training you can use the same materials to make light weight furniture that would be a hit in larger cities," the minister said.
The programme will initially cover 3,000 women whose skills in handicraft and food processing will be developed, through training and support.