How chikki became lucky for these former devadasis in K’taka’s Bellari

Team Udayavani, Oct 6, 2020, 1:28 PM IST

Bellari: Former Devadasi women at Kodligi in Bellari district have created for themselves a self-reliant and self-sufficient life after establishing a Chikki manufacturing plant unit.

There are about 250 former Devadasis in Kodligi. Many of them came together and formed the “Uramma Devi Maaji Devadasi Mahileyara Seva Trust” (Urumma Devi Former Devadasi Women Seva Trust) in June.

About 15 members of this Trust started a chikki making unit recently with the subsidy they receive from the government. They underwent training of 10 days for this venture.

The Deputy Commissioner of the district SS Nakul has now ordered that the chikki supplied to 362 Anganwadis in the taluk for distribution to pregnant and new mothers.

In the almost four months of its existence, the unit has produced nearly seven lakhs pieces chikki generating an estimated net profit of Rs 2 lakhs.

In view of the progress being done by these women, the Karnataka State Women Development Corporation has started the process of providing operational loans o the Trust.

Venkamma, one of the women working in the unit says that in a recently held review meeting the Deputy Commissioner gave us good reviews for the chikkis manufactured by us. With new loans to be sanctioned soon for our unit all the women here finally have a clear picture of their future.

For chikkis, Venkamma can be contacted at her mobile number 7483518490.