Rural women in Assam have been engaged in the preparation of various products like hand sanitizers, homemade mask, and liquid disinfectant.

They have been engaged by the Rural Women Technology Park (RWTP) under CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat.

The programme is supported by SEED Division, Department of Science and Technology (DST), with the aim to have their participation in the fight against COVID-19.

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The products made by them will be distributed freely among family members and poor people in the nearby villages to help them combat COVID-19 in the area.

“Meeting a challenge such as COVID-19 needs strong community participation and support,” said DST secretary Ashutosh Sharma.

“Self-help groups and dedicated NGOs are perfect vehicles in the current scenario for awareness creation, introducing relevant solutions, making and distributing the low tech items such as masks and disinfectants,” he added.

Rural women from the region were trained to produce homemade mask from traditional ‘Gamocha’ by RWTP, Jorhat

Design of the homemade mask has been finalized, around 150 Gamochas purchased and two sewing machines arranged (6 homemade masks can be prepared from one Gamocha).

It has been proposed that the women would be paid at the rate of Rs 15 per mask.

Apart from this, 200 litres of liquid disinfectant is being produced.

The raw materials required for liquid disinfectant like Dettol, ethanol, glycerine, essential oil have been acquired.

The disinfectant will also be distributed freely among the family members and poor people in the nearby village.

The women of RWTP were trained before closing down on March 24.

The participants prepared about 50 litres of hand sanitizers, 160 litres of liquid disinfectant which have been distributed among the 60 women participants and their family members.

The RWTP also prepared posters and leaflets on ‘COVID-19: Do’s and Don’ts’ in the Assamese language for making people aware of the coronavirus and precautionary measures to be taken during the present situation.