Free sewing machines for differently-abled

A total of 32 differently-abled persons in the city received free sewing machines on Monday.

Minister for Social Welfare B Valarmathi distributed the machines to the beneficiaries in the presence of Kannegi Packianathan, secretary, Department for the Welfare of Differently-abled Persons, J Jeyakanthan, District Collector, Chennai, and other officials.

According to Jasmine, District Differently-Abled Welfare Officer, the selected beneficiaries have undergone training in tailoring, either in government institutions or institutions recognised by the government.

“The distribution of free sewing machines is aimed at empowering physically-challenged persons,” she added.

Though 90 sewing machines are allotted for distribution under the scheme, she said, only 32 persons had applied for it so far. Each sewing machine costs `4,100, a press release stated.

Receiving a sewing machine, one of the beneficiaries said that it would ensure him a regular monthly income of Rs 5,000.