Startup India - The shining Bastar
Those who get fueled up by innovations and entrepreneurship,
Startup India is not a new name for them. But what about startups from a remote
area like Bastar-Dantewada, from a small state like Chhattisgarh, revolutionizing the lives of many people at the mass level?
The story of Dennex
The story of Dennex brand of Dantewada is a milestone in
itself in a place which is known for Maoists and Naxalites. It reflects the
true picture of progress of Startup India vision, full of hope and inspiration.
Chhattisgarh first own brand of clothing has been introduced by setting up a
garment factory in the haram village of Dantewada under the brand name Dennex means
Dantewada next.
The clothes are being sewed in the factory by village women
only. Once prepared , they will be sent in markets throughout the country.
About 300 men and women from the village are working in the factory in two
shifts.The program aims to provide employment to around 2,000 people.
In a small interview,Collector Deepak Soni told that he wish
to make Dantewada, a garment hub. The employment is generated in systematic
steps. In first stage training is imparted to new people. In the second stage, the woman already
expert in stitching are trained to make shirts, kurtas and masks.
Providing market
In order to provide a market to these products government
has signed a MOU with many government and non-government organizations. It
includes MOU for CRPF soldiers, MOU for uniform of NMDC staff and MOU with
TRIFED and other garment companies.
Keeping a close eye on the response for Dennex factory in
haram village of Dantewada, government aims to open new Dennex outlets at
Bacheli, Dantewada and Barsoor also. There is a very inspiring atmosphere in
Dantewada related to employment now a day. Apart from garments, handicraft and
minor forest produce are also being manufactured here under the brand name
Dennex.
Mahua processing hub of Bastar – Dantewada
Mahua, also known as honey flower or butter flower is a tropical
tree of Indian origin. It is found largely in plains and forests of central and
northern India. Largely found in Bastar, it is being used by tribes to make
liquor.
Bastar so far known for Mahua , a flower used for making
liquor,is now changing its identity. This change is brought about by Sangwari Samooh, a self-help group of women of Dantewada. It is a
group of about 30 women which have together established Mahua processing hub in
the naxal town Dantewada. They are preparing cookies, halwa, jelly, jam,
chunks, Mahua Kada ,tamarind sauce,
jaggery powder and cashew powder here. The group aims to provide employment to
about hundred women with increasing demand and supply.
Women associated with this group are too happy to be a part
of it. The group has earned about 1.5 lacs in just one week .This innovation
not only emerged as a financial support to them but boosted their
self-confidence as an independent entrepreneur. The product demand is
increasing day by day and helping them to improve their financial condition,
giving their children a better upbringing and also spent on health issues.