Naxal Hotbed to garment hub, Dantewada embraces transformation

In order to transform and empower the district, the state government with the cooperation of a self-help group has started a garment factory in Dantewada which is otherwise a notorious hotbed of Naxal rebels. More than 300 men and women have employed at the new factory which manufactures clothing under the brand name 'DINNEX' short for 'Dantewada Next'.

Dantewada (Chhattisgarh): Dantewada, a district which has a history of frightful blood bath between the security forces and the Maoists, and has a black spot of female literacy less than 33 per cent, is going to transform into a 'garment hub' in the near future.

In order to transform and empower the district, the state government with the cooperation of a self-help group has started a garment factory in Dantewada which is otherwise a notorious hotbed of Naxal rebels. More than 300 men and women have employed at the new factory which manufactures clothing under the brand name 'DINNEX' short for 'Dantewada Next'.

The garment factory which is situated at Haram village, nearly 25 km from the district headquarter, has all modern equipment related to the manufacturing of the garment.

Soni informed that currently, 300 employees are working in the factory which would be increased to 10,000 in the future as the factory has also involved more than 500 local men and women in the training.

While speaking to ETV Bharat, Champa, an 18-year-old, who came here to learn the nuances of tailoring said that they have been provided with free automatic tailoring machines by the factory.

However, when asked any about further assistance like transportation from the state government, she replied negatively.

"I come to know about this factory from my gram panchayat. This is a blessing in disguise for those who have been eagerly hunting for good employment opportunities in the state. We were told that an amount of Rs 10,000 would be provided once we complete the compulsory training and started working with the organisation", said other women who have been currently enrolled in the factory as a trainee tailor a few days back.

When asked about the factory future planning, the DC said that the initiative will boost the income source for the locals as the district has been deprived of poverty since the state has bifurcated from Madhya Pradesh in the year 2000.

Further, he said that the employment opportunity would decrease the enrollment of local people in the rebellion group which hamper the state economy tremendously every year.