THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If things go as planned, women in the capital city, especially the economically deprived, would have a lot to cheer over the Corporation’s annual budget. The budget, which recently got the Council nod, has around six major projects to help them earn a livelihood. ‘’Apart from giving them job opportunities, we also wanted to make the city a safer place for women,’’ Deputy Mayor G Happykumar told Express.Cleanwell WorkersOne of the major plans in the budget is to provide an alternative source of income for the Cleanwell workers who were rendered jobless after the closure of the Vilappilsala waste treatment plant. The Corporation’s new mantra of ‘source-level waste disposal’ will have the participation of Cleanwell workers.‘‘They will provide assistance to effectively manage the pipe-compost or biogas units to be set up in residences and commercial establishments,’’ the Deputy Mayor said. ‘’For a modest charge, they will assist in sorting the waste, spraying of bio-decomposing agents and removing the bio-manure,’’ he added. Cafe Ananthapuri HotelsA highlight of the budget is the proposal for opening a chain of hotels to be managed by the Corporation. Christened Cafe Ananthapuri, the hotels will engage women selected from Kudumbashree units. ‘’A single unit would employ around 10 women,’’ said Happykumar. ‘’Besides providing quality food, the hotels would help the Corporation to control the food prices in the city,’’ he added. The budget has set apart ` 50 lakh for the project. Women Technology ParkThe women technology park was mooted in the budget to exploit the outsourcing works at Technopark companies, according to the Deputy Mayor. ‘’Several companies outsource IT-related jobs and DTP works to small firms and individuals. The technology park will help underprivileged women in the city to undertake such works,’’ he said. He also said the park would enter into tie-ups with companies in this regard.Autorickshaw training‘’Autorickshaws are a good employment opportunity for women. But ignorance, lack of training facilities and money deter many to enter the field,’’ said Happykumar. The budget has mooted the setting up of an autorickshaw driving training facility and an exclusive stand for women drivers. Titled ‘Sarathi’, an amount of ` 3 lakh has been sanctioned for the project.Paper carry bag unitsIn the wake of the plastic ban, the Corporation will set up paper carry bag manufacturing units in the city. Women members of Kudumbashree units will be employed at the units, which will be set up at a cost of ` 25 lakh.Toilet FacilitiesThe budget has announced a special project to set up girl-friendly toilets in all government schools coming under the Corporation limits. An allocation of ` 50 lakh has been made for the project. ‘’We have also mooted the opening of new e-toilets and bio-toilets and renovation of comfort stations. These projects will specially focus on the needs of women,’’ the Deputy Mayor said.
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