NHAI launches ‘Project Saksham’ to empower rural women

What: NHAI, with Vertis Foundation, launched Project Saksham for skill development and employment for rural women through 12 training centres; trained 6,000+ youth and placed 4,000+ (80% beneficiaries women).

Objectives: Industry‑relevant skills, financial independence, access to formal jobs.

Significance:

• Targeted empowerment: Leverages infrastructure projects (NHAI) for livelihood interventions and women’s economic participation.

UPSC relevance: Rural development, gender empowerment schemes, public–private partnerships.

Practice Q: How can infrastructure agencies contribute to livelihood creation and gender empowerment?