Pathanamthitta: Kudumbashree women will now be just a call away to work as plumbers and electricians. New job opportunities are being created for women through 'Skill at Call,' a new scheme jointly launched by Kudumbashree and Vigyan Kerala in Pathanamthitta. The objective is to provide numerous repair and maintenance services for homes and institutions, including electrician, plumber, painter, gardening, landscaping, laundry, ironing services, and mobile car wash. Currently, many such companies operate in the private sector.

Members interested in working as entrepreneurs under the scheme will be selected from Neighborhood Groups (Ayalkoottams) and auxiliary groups. Women who have studied ITI and polytechnic trades will be primarily selected as members. Their entrepreneurial registration will be completed at the CDS (Community Development Society) level.

At the block level, the enterprises are connected through the Micro Enterprise Resource Centre (MERC). The MERC provides the necessary loans and support to the enterprises. The Skill at Call scheme will be implemented through this. There will be a call center in the district. Calls received there will be forwarded to the MERCs and CDS, through which the members will reach the people in need of the service. The fee for the work can be paid to the members or at the MERC.

As part of Kudumbashree's skill training program, training for the members will be completed in November and December. Landscaping, event management, and gardening will be implemented at the block level. A loan of up to Rs 5 lakh with a 75 percent subsidy will be sanctioned for purchasing the necessary tools and machinery for the enterprise. At the state level, the Skill at Call scheme is being launched as a pilot project in Pathanamthitta.