Training programme for women masons

A CORRESPONDENT

KALAIGAON, June 24: The Public Health Department of Udalguri district initiated a programme to empower women by conducting a training programme for women masons under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). This training programme was initiated with the help of two SHGs - Jeuti SHG and Rupali SHG - whose group heads had undergone the training on women mason in Barpeta district in May. After discussing the matter with the women of Santipur VCDC in Udalguri district, a group of 10 women came forward to undergo the training programme on women mason. So the Public Health Engineering Department conducted a two-day long training programme at the PHC sub-centre in Santipur Village near the Indo-Bhutan border area of Udalguri district.

The programme was chaired by Executive Engineer (PHE) Bhupen Saikia, Nameshwar Tayung, District Nodal Officer (SBM-G), Technical Officers Ramiz Raja Choudhury and Injamamul Islam. Udalguri is the second district in Assam to impart women mason training after Barpeta. The programme consisted of detailed theoretical information about twin pit toilet followed by the construction of twin pit toilet under SBM-G. The construction training was given by two male masons as resource persons. This programme initiated by the PHE of Udalguri district will empower women. Apart from construction of toilets and other structures they will also carry out awareness activities to bring a change in the mindset of people for better hygienic conditions in the society.