RMC mason training scheme for women

Ranchi: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has collaborated with NGO Mahila Housing Seva Trust (MHST) to provide mason training to the women labourers in a bid to raise their income.
As part of the training programme, around 150 female labourers, who have been working at construction sites, are learning to mix cement and sand.
Deputy mayor Sanjiv Vijayavargiya said, "The training started a week ago and will continue for three months.Once training is over, the women masons will be actively involved in construction at RMC's housing scheme sites."
The women are currently being trained at Ghaghra area under ward number 50, where 900 flats will be constructed under the Rajiv Gandhi Awaas Yojna programme. "They will help construct flats. Later, they will also help construct toilets as part of RMC's initiative," Vijayavargiya said.
Supriya Jha of MHST said women labourers are expected to earn almost double their daily wage after training. "Presently, the are being paid Rs 250 per day as labourers. When they work as masons, they expect to earn Rs 400 per day. The significant wage hike will allow them to provide for their families," Jha said.
The women are excited about their future prospects. Sukni Devi, who is part of the training programme, said, "I would only carry sand and bricks while working at construction sites. There were times when the men would treat me badly for not possessing the requsitie construction skills and knowledge. After undergoing training, I will be able to do the same work men are doing. Also, I will be paid better."
Another beneficiary, Malti Khalkho, said, "I thought working as a mason would be difficult, but I am getting used to it now. Once trained, I will be paid better. A wage hike will allow me to provide for my children"