Charkha Distribution Scheme by District Panchayat for Differently Abled Individuals

The district panchayat is initiating a new source of income for differently abled individuals by providing them with facilities for spinning (yarn making) employment in five of the 15 Buds schools within the district. Under the Charkha distribution scheme, which commenced on March 12 as part of the 2023-2024 annual plan, the district panchayat has distributed 75 charkhas and seating facilities—five charkhas per Buds school. The initiative began at Kannady Buds School, with a project allocation of Rs 18 lakh.Spinning on charkhas is done for the Khadi Board, which supplies all necessary accessories, including cotton. Workers earn Rs 10 per yarn spun. The scheme includes a Rs 120 famine allowance, Rs 4.90 per meal, and a 60 paisa incentive under the government's minimum income supplement scheme. By spinning at least five yarns daily, individuals can earn a daily remuneration of Rs 200. The Khadi Board disburses these wages. Additionally, 24 percent of the earnings are contributed to the Khadi Workers Welfare Fund Board—12 percent by the Khadi Board and 12 percent from the workers' wages.Five individuals above 18 from each Buds School have been selected for this activity. After completing at least 100 days of employment, they will become members of the Welfare Fund Board of the Khadi Board, entitling them to benefits such as medical assistance under Employment State Insurance and housing assistance.The district panchayat has distributed charkhas to Buds schools in the following panchayats: Kannady, Kishkancheri, Erimayur, Mathur, Kuthannur, Mututala, Valayur, Paruthur, Trithala, Thrikateeri, Pookotukavu, Srikrishnapuram, Kadampazhipuram, Elapulli, and Alathur. Besides providing income, this activity enhances concentration and serves as good exercise for differently-abled individuals.