These women cater their way to better living

SURAT: A small house located in Moti Pethan village of Navsari district, 45 km off Surat city was abuzz with activity for the last two days. Ten women from Jay Tulja Ma Sakhi Mandal under the leadership of 55-year-old Veena Patel worked overnight to complete an order of 6,000 food packets before Sunday. For 15 to 20 days a month, these women work in this manner.
At a time when a plate costs nothing less than Rs 300-400 in cities at functions, this Mandal provides quality food at Rs 100 and still earns enough to improve the standards of living of its members.
Veena Patel sold vegetables and worked as a labourer till two years ago. She now earns around Rs 10,000 per month. She has a disabled husband and two sons to look after. “When we started, we hardly got any orders. But now people come searching for my house to place the orders,” she said.
This Mandal operates from Patel’s home. Their charges are a nominal Rs 60 to Rs 110 per plate depending on the menu and Rs 20 to Rs 25 for snacks.
Sona Halpati, a widow with three sons, never dreamt that she would earn Rs 8,000 plus in a month. She said, “We started a savings account with Rs 50. Soon, a bank even gave us a cash credit loan of Rs 1 lakh.”
“Though it may not be a big deal in cities but for these women to reach a stage where many have started preferring them over well-known caterers is some achievement,” said district rural development agency director SL Ninama.
Jignesh Pansuriya of Surat, who runs Vintech group, went all the way to Moti Pethan to place an order for 6,000 boxes of snacks for his company’s function.
He was not disappointed with the result as it cost him just Rs 25 per box for samosas, idada, wafers, mohan thal and tomato soup.
“The food quality was excellent as it was made with love,” he said.