Sewing machine scheme for minority women draws widespread criticism

A scheme recently launched to provide sewing machines for women from minority communities is drawing widespread criticism from activists. The rigorous procedures and the sheer number of hurdles have made it difficult for the women to access the social benefits, activists familiar with the initiative argue.

The Telangana Minorities Finance Corporation (TGMFC) officially launched ‘Indiramma Mahila Shakti’, a scheme meant to provide sewing machines to women. The TGMFC planned to distribute 10,490 machines to women from minority communities across Telangana with a total cost of Rs 6.64 crore with each machine costing around Rs. 7,830.

To avail the benefit, however, the women applicants have to overcome a number of bureaucratic hurdles. They have to submit a large number of documents starting from submission of online applications online with necessary documents such as ration card or food security card, income certificate, caste certificate, Aadhar card, training certificate, self-declaration of applicant for non-availment of financial assistance from TGMFC during last five years.

“Not all people have ration card or food security card. In such scenario, they have to apply for income certificate and pay



brokers anywhere between Rs. 400 and Rs. 500. Instead, the TGMFC should take an undertaking from the applicant to reduce financial burden on them,” says social activist, S Q Masood.

Activists argue that an applicant will be spending anywhere between Rs. 800 and Rs.1000 for submission of the application that includes online filing and submitting hardcopy at local district minority welfare office.

“Making people spend roughly 15 per cent of the cost of the machine is something illogical,” argued Mohd Akram, social worker from old city. The social activists argue that when financial assistance schemes were announced previously the numbers of applications were ten times more than the officials had planned to help.

“For the sewing machine scheme around 80, 000 to 1 lakh applications will be received. Not all will get it as the corporation plans to give priority to destitute, divorcee, widows, orphans and single women,” says Kareem Ansari, a social activist from Shaheennagar.

A woman activist said that such schemes will serve no purpose and only will become a political stunt. “Instead, a new scheme should be planned for the women so as to make them self-employed,” she suggested.