For Mahua, aged 33, a resident of Dharchula, Pithoragarh, the humble Pine tree in her backyard is not just another wood but a source of livelihood and self-reliance for her family. She makes and sells baskets, rakhis, and wall hangings from the leaves and cones of the tree. For her, money grows on trees.
To empower people like Mahua, the District Legal Services Authority is entrusted with the task of carrying out capacity building programmes and outreach activities so that the last (wo)-man standing is made self-reliant and self-sustained.
This article is intended to highlight the basic but beneficial projects of the District Legal Services Authority that has made a lasting impact in the lives of the people. Basic, because the raw materials used for the projects are primarily derived from trees, and beneficial because at almost zero cost, the maker/creator can get handsome returns, thereby boosting their monthly wages.
Enlisted here are some such skill development projects carried out by the District Legal Services Authority, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
Natural Rakhi –
On the occassion of Rakshabandhan, DLSA Pithoragarh undertook the ”natural rakhi making project” and imparted training to the inmates of Pithoragarh Lockup. The process involved making rakhis out of the leaves of pine tree artistically shaped in the form of a rakhi and fastened by the twigs of the pine. They were then coloured in different shades and decorated with pearls and stuck on threads. These rakhis were tied to the SSB/ITBP jawans by the school girls of Pithoragarh.
Disposable Baskets –
Capitalising on the omnipresent Pine tree, a workshop was organised for the benefit of Raji Tribe women wherein they were taught basket making using the leaves and wood of the pine tree. The tribal women can use these baskets for their domestic purposes and may also sell the products in the market. The tribal women were also trained in making wall hanging from the pine cones. They were also taught Aipan Art as an additional skill to earn extra income.
Envelopes and toys –
Another bye product of trees is the paper. With a view to engage the inmates of Lockup in productive work and to impart skill development training, DLSA Pithoragarh provided old newspapers to them which were transformed into paper envelopes/packets useful for carrying things or eatables.
Old and discarded cartons were shaped into toys, figurines, temples and pen-stands by the prisoners, resulting in time utilization and “best out of waste”.
Organic Diya –
On the occassion of Diwali, organic diyas were made by the female inmates of Pithoragarh Lockup, using wheat and rice flour. The finished products were utilised by the inmates to celebrate Diwali.
The above skill development activities are some of the projects undertaken by the District Legal Services Authority apart from the various campaigns and awareness programmes.