In the quiet villages of Bathinda, the sound of sewing machines is no longer just the sound of stitching clothes. It has become a new rhythm of Punjab’s changing women power. Inside small homes and community centres, rural women are not merely stitching uniforms for government schools. They are writing a new story of economic independence, confidence and self-respect.
The Punjab government’s ‘Pehle’ scheme has brought new energy into the lives of women who were once limited to household work. Designed to provide livelihood opportunities, the project allows women to work within their villages and contribute meaningfully to their family income. Today, nearly 500 women in Bathinda, organised into around 150 self-help groups, are part of this transformative initiative.
A Success Story Told Through Numbers
For 2025-26, the administration had set a target of producing 40,000 uniforms. But with the dedication and hard work of these women, the effort has gone far beyond expectations. So far, these groups have stitched more than 46,000 uniforms, marking a major achievement. Collectively, they have earned nearly Rs 3 crore. For every uniform stitched, the women receive Rs 60, directly strengthening their financial condition.
Centres set up in villages such as Sivian, Bajak, Jiwan Singh Wala and Raiya have now become important hubs of rural enterprise. Production at these centres is now planned to be increased to 60,000 uniforms.
“We No Longer Need to Ask Anyone for Help”
For many women, this income is not just money. It means being able to pay for their children’s education and contribute to daily household expenses. Women working at these centres say with pride, “Now we no longer need to ask anyone for every small need.”
This initiative is not limited to stitching alone. These women are also learning business skills. From buying quality fabric from the market to handling documentation and checking the quality of finished uniforms, they are involved at every stage. This has boosted their confidence and given them a new identity in society.
The Successful ‘Pehle’ Model Was First Started in Sangrur
With government support and partnerships, these centres have been equipped not only with basic sewing machines but also modern buttoning, interlocking and elastic machines. This successful model of ‘Pehle’ was first started in Sangrur district. After its impressive success, it is now being expanded to Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib and other parts of Punjab. The beauty of this model lies in its double benefit: rural women are getting dignified employment close to home, while thousands of poor students in government schools are receiving high-quality uniforms at affordable rates.
In these villages, “women empowerment” is no longer just a slogan in government files or speeches. It has become a living reality. With every stitch, these women are not only making uniforms, but also giving a new shape to their own future and that of their families. This ‘Pehle’ initiative from Punjab is also an example for other states, showing how small efforts can bring major social change.
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