12,679 women trained in tailoring in Dharwad LS constituency, says Joshi

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi symbolically distributed sewing machines to women at a program organized as part of Raksha Bandhan celebrations in Hubballi on Friday. | Photo credit: KIRAN BAKALE

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Friday that 12,679 women in Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency have so far received free training in tailoring, while 1,089 eligible beneficiaries have been provided sewing machines to promote self-employment.

Addressing a program organized in association with Gram Vikas Society at his office at Chitaguppi Hospital campus in Hubballi on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Mr. Joshi said that empowering women through skill development and creating opportunities for economic independence is a priority of the Union Government.

“Women should not only seek employment but become the force that creates employment,” he said, highlighting various schemes of the Union government aimed at women.

Mr. Joshi said that 55.17 million bank accounts have been opened across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, more than half of which are women.

10.35 million accounts have been opened in Dharwad constituency, of which 5.74 million, or 55%, belong to women, he said.

Under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, apart from stoves, 1,06,057 LPG connections have been provided to 2,000 beneficiaries in the constituency, he said.

Referring to the Lakhpati Didi initiative, Mr Joshi said the central government was working to help women self-help groups achieve a sustainable annual income of at least ₹1 lakh.

He also highlighted the Namo Drone Didi programme, under which 15,000 women’s self-help groups are being supported by drones for agricultural activities such as spraying fertilizers and pesticides.

Eligible groups can receive assistance up to 80% of the cost of the drones, subject to a maximum of ₹8 crore, apart from drone operation training, he said.

Mr. Joshi also spoke about initiatives in government schools in the constituency, including provision of benches and painting of school buildings.

Gram Vikas Society President Jagadish Nayak said the organization is working to create self-employment opportunities for rural women and youth and improve education, healthcare and drinking water facilities in villages.

On the occasion, the gifted women tied rakhis to Mr. Joshi and offered him sweets.

Published – 28 Aug 2026 20:58 IST