Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC), the innovation hub of IIT-ISM is helping women of underprivileged section of the society from adjoining slums through a series of training to help them become self dependent.

A gadget distribution programme was organised on Tuesday in this regard at the New Lecture Hall Complex of the institute during which altogether 25 women beneficiaries, who received training in Jam and Sauce making during the last month were provided utensils like, mixer, cauldron, jar, etc.

Rajiv Shekhar, Director of IIT (ISM) who was present during the occasion as chief guest lauded the effort of ACIC in providing training to the women to become self dependent and also exhorted the women beneficiaries to take benefit from the training by launching their own production centres.

Notably, ACIC organised a two-day training in Jam and Sauce making to 30 women of Dhaiya and Mandal Basti during the last month during which experts imparted training to interested women.

Akansha Sinha, Manager (innovation ) of ACIC who was present during the occasion along with other team members including Camplia Chowdhury, Manager (Planning and Operations) said “ ACIC in association with Centre for Society Mission and Deepti Ladies of IIT (ISM) is already working with the women of the underprivileged section of the society for last several months and training in earthen diya, candles and handicraft making had been imparted to women of Bagula Basti and Malhar Basti of Barwaddah area ahead of Diwali last year.”

“Our basic aim behind organising the training and fund support for initiating production is to provide self employment opportunities to the women,” added Sinha.

Ruby Devi, a resident of Lahbani Basti of Dhaiya who is one of the beneficiary of the training programme organized under , Her Vision, Our Vision initiative of ACIC said, “We have greatly benefited from the training programme conducted for us by IIT (ISM) and gadgets provided us today will help to start our own business from our respective area.”

Ravina Kumari, another beneficiary of Lahbani Basti of Dhaiya who also received the gadgets today said, “The family income of everyone including ourselves has been greatly affected during the pandemic period and training received for tomato sauce making will help us to support our family income by starting our own business."