New Delhi: The Project Saksham initiative by National Highways Authority of India is helping rural women gain job-ready skills and financial independence. The project is being run in partnership with the Vertis Foundation and focuses on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women living near National Highways.
The programme has already trained thousands of young people across India, with women making up the majority of beneficiaries.
What is Project Saksham?
Project Saksham is a women-focused skill development programme started by NHAI to support inclusive growth in rural India.
The initiative aims to:
- Provide industry-relevant training
- Improve employability
- Increase women’s participation in the workforce
- Create long-term financial independence
- Support communities living along highways
According to the official reports, the project currently operates through 12 training centres across the country.
Key Highlights of Project Saksham
- More than 6,000 youth trained
- Over 4,000 placements achieved
- More than 80% beneficiaries are women
- Average monthly income ranges between ₹13,000 and ₹16,000
- Focus on underserved and rural communities
Officials said the initiative is designed to ensure that infrastructure growth also creates social and economic opportunities for nearby communities.
Skills Being Taught Under the Project Saksham
Women and youth under Project Saksham are being trained in several vocational areas, including:
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- Tailoring
- Appliance repair
- Multi-skill technician training
- General duty assistant nursing
These courses are designed to match current market demand and improve employment opportunities.
Focus on Women Empowerment
One of the main goals of the programme is to encourage women from rural areas to join the formal workforce.
Field teams work directly with families and communities to:
- Build trust
- Reduce social barriers
- Encourage women participation
- Create awareness about job opportunities
For many women, this is their first opportunity to receive professional training and earn a stable income.
NHAI’s Inclusive Development Vision
The National Highways Authority of India said that infrastructure projects should benefit not only transport and connectivity but also nearby communities.
The authority believes that economic growth linked to highway expansion should create real opportunities for local people, especially women in rural areas.
Why Project Saksham Matters
Project Saksham is important because it connects infrastructure development with social welfare.
The initiative supports:
- Women empowerment
- Rural employment
- Skill development
- Financial inclusion
- Sustainable community growth
Experts believe such programmes can help increase women’s workforce participation in India while improving household income in rural regions.
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