Rajasthan has for long been seen as one of the BIMARU states, a term associated with backwardness and poverty. Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are the other states covered under this term. Shekhawati region, due to its geographical location and difficult climatic conditions is also seen as an area lacking in development and employment opportunities. It is no wonder that lots of young people from Shekhawati move out of the region in search of jobs. They could be found in faraway places such as  Nagaland, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Kerala and even in the gulf countries.

The problem of unemployment is affecting economic health of the region and slows down the process of growth. Employment ensures financial security and empowers people in different ways resulting reduction of poverty, diseases and illiteracy. This is why various education, training and awareness programmes are an integral part of Sewajyoti’s vision for the region. The organization runs training programmes to encourage youth into self-employment. It also helps them financially whenever needed and provides necessary guidance for setting up business, sourcing of material and selling the products.

Many such training programmes organized by Sewajyoti continue all year round covering unemployed youth and women. Dozens of such trained youth and women have become self employed and self-reliant after attending these training programmes during which they also receive necessary equipment and practical know-how to use them. As former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam puts it, “Rather than struggling to find jobs, youths of this country should concentrate on creating jobs.” What he means by this is very clear: we should develop entrepreneurial skills and come forward to be self-employed. Such youth could play a vital role in the economy, especially the local economy.

Sewajyoti’s employment-oriented programmes lay special emphasis on women since educated and self-reliant women can support their families and children better. The organization has clubbed its women’s empowerment programmes with self-employment programmes which have brought in impressive results in the villages they are run.

Some Examples

For example, Sewajyoti had organized pre-selection camp under Prime Minister Employment Scheme in 2008. This resulted in selection of 20 candidates.

The organization conducted electronic equipment repairing training programme for unemployed youth of village Badwasi in 2009. This was attended by 30 youths. Another training programme on training of mobile phone repairing was attended by 30 other youths.

Sewajyoti, in 2006, distributed sewing machines among handicapped persons desiring to start tailoring work. Next year, another 30 handicapped persons received such machines.

Under a scheme approved by the labour department, government of India, Sewajyoti was handed over the responsibility to manage two child labour schools in Nawalgarh tehsil. Vocational training was also provided to child laborers to help them stand on their own.

Many training programmes were specially conducted for women. More information regarding these can be found on the page relating to women’s empowerment.