Background
Laxmi stays in Chandramalli village of Raichur district, with her parents, two brothers and their families. Lakshmi’s right leg is non functional due to polio and as her mobility is limited, she can barely walk a few meters by taking support of a wall. Her parents are senior citizens as they are unable to go for work. Her brothers work as construction laborers on a daily wage basis. She has undergone a 5 months long tailoring training and runs a tailoring unit and has an electric sewing machine. The income made by the family through all sources during COVID was not sufficient. Her brothers get work on a seasonal basis and before COVID, through tailoring, Laxmi used to earn INR 500 per day. She also gets 1400 per month as disability pension from the State govt. During lockdown, her business suffered badly with her daily income went down to INR 200 per day.
Technology Solution
A solar powered roti rolling machine was installed in her house, in October 2020. She was trained by a technician from the vendor's side for operating the roti rolling machine.
Financial Solution
The total machine cost is INR 64,000 out of which INR 50,000 was paid by the local Gram panchayat. All Gram Panchayats get an annual fund under fourteenth finance commission from the Govt. of India. It is mandatory for them to spend 3% of the total fund received for the benefit of differently abled people in their Gram panchayat. Laxmi got partial financial support for the roti rolling machine from the same fund. Rest of the amount was contributed by the SELCO Foundation.
Testimonial
“During lockdown, when my income from the tailoring unit suffered, I felt totally helpless. The solar powered roti rolling machine is no less than a blessing for my entire family. With the support of my parents now I am able to provide for my family, without worrying about lockdown. ”
Impact
The intervention has helped the entrepreneur in overcoming income losses that she had faced due to COVID. She makes an income of INR 600 per day by selling rotis. She makes 300 rotis every day, without worrying about interruption due to frequent power cuts that her locality faces. Out of that, 50% of the rotis she supplies to local dhaba owners and the remaining are bought by local people. Her parents also help her in the business by making dough, roasting rotis and packaging. The family is not facing any kind of difficulties in terms of income for survival.