Kriyā

Create and Strengthen livelihoods

Self-sustaining Rural Enterprises
0
Livelihoods created
0 +
Skill-Building Workshops
0 +

Context

Tiruvannamalai district in Tamil Nadu is situated in North-Central Tamil Nadu. It is spread over an area of 6188 sq. kms and has a population of 24,64, 8751. Low per capita income and poor development makes it one of the backward districts of Tamil Nadu. Tiruvannamalai town is a tourist attraction and is famous for its ancient Shiva temple and the ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi. The district, while being a leading producer of rice, lags behind in industrialization. A few sugar mills, cotton mills and an industrial estate are some of the sources of employment generation. The construction industry, trade and hospitality/tourism industry are the growing businesses in this area.

For generations  agriculture has been the mainstay in this district. Now agricultural labour is at a crossroads. Mechanization of agriculture has hit regular and seasonal income sources. Many individuals, men and women, do not have the skill or aptitude to participate in the new economy. Many take low-skill seasonal jobs that are largely unfulfilling. Unable to cope with this change many stay at home without work, get depressed and alcoholism and violence is on the rise. Migration to cities in search of work is increasing.

To address this fundamental issue of creating local livelihoods and stemming urban migration, Vilvam started activities around Kriyā or livelihoods. This till today remains one of our most successful interventions.

Our Work in Action

Incubate & establish self sustaining rural Enterprises

  • Establish profitable, self sustaining, well governed,
    fully compliant enterprises to employ local talent.
  • Build capacity in a largely illiterate work force.
  • Stem urban migration.

Strengthen local business

  • Guide, mentor, and anchor local businesses to help them grow and create employment, thereby stemming urban migration.

Build skill to help get livelihoods

  • Identify market needs and gaps.
  • Invite subject matter experts.
  • Train through focused skill building workshops.
  • Connect with employer or market channel at the end of the training.

Document process & learnings involved to set up a rural MSME

  • Write case studies.
  • Create a playbook for setting up a rural MSME.
  • Share challenges in key forums to inform policy
    changes