Minister launches outlet run by rehabilitated rag pickers

Patna: State industry and sports minister Shreyasi Singh on Wednesday inaugurated a showroom-cum-business outlet at S K Puri, set up by a group of rehabilitated rag pickers and beggars.

She lauded their efforts to join the social mainstream.Singh visited stalls showcasing handicrafts, jute products and food items prepared by poor and destitute women with the support of an NGO that has been instrumental in their education and rehabilitation. She said that by becoming self-reliant, these women have set an example for other girls in the state and assured them of all possible support for their new venture.The showroom, named ‘Swayamsiddha’, will be run by Swashakti Mahila Utpadak Trust, comprising poor rural women. Nandita Banerji of Nai Dharti said the organisation has transformed the lives of hundreds of women over the past decade.