We work with government bodies, district administrations, and the Central Silk Board to train women and connect them to lasting livelihoods.
Empowering tribal women across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh through Tasar silk reeling and weaving training, promoting financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.
Chhattisgarh · Odisha · Andhra PradeshTrained over 3,000 women across Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha in Tasar silk reeling, weaving, and handloom activities, enabling skill development and sustainable self-employment.
3,000+ women trainedEntrusted by the District Collector, Chintoor (A.P.), to develop a Training-cum-Production Centre that equips women with Tasar silk reeling skills and livelihood opportunities.
Chintoor, Andhra PradeshWith the support of the District Collector, Bilaspur, the Samiti operated two Common Facility Centres for Tasar silk reeling, weaving, training, and production, supporting women’s economic empowerment.
Bilaspur, ChhattisgarhTrained 650+ beneficiaries in Tasar silk reeling and weaving under the Government of India’s SAMARTH scheme, promoting practical skills and self-employment.
650+ beneficiariesWith support from the Central Silk Board and the Chhattisgarh Home Department, the Samiti set up a Training-cum-Production Centre at Central Jail, Bilaspur. Women inmates receive Tasar silk reeling training and post-release livelihood support, promoting rehabilitation, dignity, and economic independence.
Central Jail, Bilaspur
At Central Jail, Bilaspur, women inmates learn Tasar reeling and spinning. The Samiti counsels them, helps them observe festivals with dignity, and offers paid work after release. Several women who trained in jail now work with the Samiti as master trainers, teaching landless women in other states.
Read their stories →Astitva Mahila Samiti is established in Bilaspur in July 2015 by Smt. Pooja Verma.
In October 2016, the Samiti buys twenty spinning machines to introduce Tasar spinning to women inmates.
Dr. Rajesh Baghel, Additional Director of Sericulture, DORI, Raipur, inaugurates a skill training program run by the Samiti.
On 30 June 2018, Shri Ramsewak Paikra, Home Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh, inaugurates the three-month Tasar reeling and spinning programme at Central Jail, Bilaspur.
Smt. Pooja Verma receives the Special Recognition for Institution Building award from the Union Minister of Textiles in New Delhi.
With the support of Karen and Terry from Canada, the Samiti secures 100 Buniyaad reeling machines and cocoons from the Central Silk Board.
