In India, as per surveys on state wise distribution of tribal population during the 2011 census, it was found that the highest proportion of tribal population resides in north eastern states. Palghar district of Maharashtra lies a little more than 100 km north of state capital Mumbai. The district is home to three ethnic groups--the Agri, the Kunbi (among the Other Backward Classes), and tribals. The first two are large landowners, while the tribals, who comprise 35% of the population, work as agricultural labour. Each village in Palghar district has a separate hamlet for tribals, called a pada. These Padas lack the infrastructure and services available to the rest of the village.

In tribal communities, the role of women is substantial and crucial. Hence empowerment of women becomes an important component of that inclusive growth. As with other tribal belts in the country, the major issue of empowerment of tribal women will not be possible without a sustainable and respectable source of income. The small farms can’t guarantee to provide them with a sustainable and respectable income.

Therefore, women take up labour jobs here and men migrate to cities for work apart from farms for self-sustenance. 

Anjali Foundation, an NGO based in Palghar, has embarked on this initiative of creating self-employment for about 60 tribal women in Vikramgad taluka of Palghar district by setting up a Masala Udyog project. Since Chilli is one of the major crops grown in this district, procurement of raw material will be easier. At the Masala processing unit, Anjali Foundation intends to manufacture Masala powder, turmeric powder, dhania powder and other spices. 

The total cost of this project is estimated to be Rs. 25,76,300 (Rupees Twenty five lakhs Seventy-six thousand and three hundred only) and a detailed breakup of the same is given below.

Requesting every citizen of our country who believes in the dream of equitable development of all communities to support generously for this cause of Tribal women self-employment in this remote corner of Maharashtra and help them build a better future for them as well as their children.

Anjali Foundation is an NGO based in Vikramgad taluka of Palghar district of Maharashtra working on the cause of empowerment of tribal women. Therefore, Anjali Foundation is working in the long-neglected and oppressed Palghar district with a poor predominantly tribal population and poverty.