Bengal MSME Dept ropes in rural women in football manufacturing

Kolkata, Jan 29 (KNN) Bengal has been making efforts to give a push to the local football industry. In this endeavour the state is now engaging women from rural regions in manufacturing football.

The Refugee Handicrafts division of the State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department has taken the initiative.

The Department is also exploring commercial moves to ensure success of the industry through an initiative called ‘Joyee’ by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

A decision has been taken to make the footballs available at least at one point in every district. The footballs will be sold from these outlets and the government might also go for tie-ups with some major shops in each district.

The state government had distributed football to the local clubs ahead of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup last October and earlier, among several Durga Puja organisers across the state.

The Refugee Handicrafts division was set up in 1950 to help refugees earn their livelihood.

The Refugee Handicrafts Managing Committee comprises of veteran football players. Training has been provided to women from rural parts of the state in making footballs.