Prema Chand, 28, of Tharmare in the district, who was displaced from her village in 1998 during the Maoist insurgency and was unable to find employment opportunity even after completing the higher secondary level studies, has now been self-employed, thanks to the vocational training provided by the District Cottage and Small Industries Office (DCSIO).

After attending the training and establishing a dhaka (Nepali hand-made fabric) industry with 80 percent aid from the office, she has not only become financial independent now but also been able to heal the emotional wounds sustained during the insurgency.

Chand has been running the cottage industry with Purnima Bista of Marmaparikanda. They weave shawls which fetch them Rs 800 to Rs 1,500 each in the domestic market, according to Chand.

The two have been earning at least Rs 15,000 a month from the industry, making them financially independent.

Chand, the housewife turned entrepreneur, said that she no longer relies on her husband or anyone for every little expense. She said she can now also support her children’s education with income from the industry. She, however, said that they have not been able to meet the demand from the market due to the lack of skilled manpower required to carry out the intricate weaving process. 

She said if the DCSIO provided similar training again, they could get the skilled manpower and enhance the quality of their products.

Similarly, another conflict victim Jibika Gautam of Kalche-8 in the district also bought a hosiery machine for Rs 80,000 after she attended the training organised by the DCSIO. She is involved in manufacturing sweaters and other garments and has provided employment opportunities to a dozen local women. Each of the women earns Rs 10,000 per month.

Gautam has already built a house worth Rs 400,000 from income generated from the industry. After being engaged in the industry, the women have established a co-operative and save upto Rs 25,000 per month. According to the DCSIO, more than 400 women in the district have benefited from the vocational and skill trainings.