A free tailoring training programme aimed at improving livelihood opportunities for unemployed women in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been announced by the State Bank of India–Rural Self Employment Training Institute. The initiative is scheduled to be conducted in March 2026 and is open to women across the islands who are currently without employment and interested in skill-based self-reliance.
The programme will be organised by the State Bank of India Rural Self Employment Training Institute at Sri Vijaya Puram under the guidelines of the Ministry of Rural Development. On successful completion of the training, participants will be issued course certificates, which are expected to support future employment or self-employment prospects in tailoring and related activities.
Officials associated with the training programme indicate that the course is designed to equip participants with practical tailoring skills that can be translated into income-generating opportunities. Such initiatives form part of an effort to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote financial independence among women, particularly those from economically vulnerable backgrounds.
Interested candidates have been advised to approach the SBI-RSETI office with the necessary qualification-related documents for verification and registration. Enrolment and enquiry services will be available during working hours, between 10 am and 5 pm, ensuring accessibility for applicants from different parts of the region.
The training will be conducted at the SBI-RSETI premises located on the second floor of the SBI Regional Business Office within the SBI Complex at Mohanpura, Aberdeen Bazar, Sri Vijaya Puram. The centrally located venue is expected to facilitate participation by women from nearby areas and improve logistical convenience during the course period.
SBI-RSETI has been playing a role in providing skill development and entrepreneurship training in the islands, focusing on trades that offer sustainable income potential at the local level. Tailoring remains one of the commonly pursued self-employment avenues, particularly in semi-urban and rural settings, where demand for garment alteration, stitching and small-scale production continues to exist.
The training programme is expected to include hands-on practice and basic theoretical inputs aligned with the operational needs of tailoring work. While specific batch sizes and duration details have not been elaborated in the announcement, officials have indicated that the course structure will comply with the standard training framework followed by RSETIs across the country.
Participants completing the course are expected to gain not only technical skills but also increased confidence to explore self-employment or cooperative ventures. Such training programmes are often viewed as stepping stones for women to access micro-finance, start small enterprises or supplement household income.
By offering the course free of cost, the initiative removes financial barriers that often prevent women from enrolling in vocational training. The issuance of certificates upon completion is also expected to enhance the credibility of participants when seeking employment or support under various government and banking schemes.
The announcement of the training programme has generated interest among unemployed women seeking skill-based opportunities. Officials have encouraged eligible candidates to contact the institute at the earliest, as enrolment is expected to be limited and subject to eligibility verification.
