The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) 64th Battalion, stationed in Barama, has concluded a Basic Tailoring Training Programme under its Civic Action Programme 2026–27, empowering 36 women from border villages with essential tailoring skills to foster self-employment and economic independence. The initiative, held at Border Out Post (BOP) Patkijuli, aims to enhance livelihood opportunities for women in the region.

The programme underscores the SSB’s commitment to community development in sensitive border areas, aligning its security mandate with socio-economic upliftment. By equipping local women with vocational skills, the initiative seeks to boost household incomes and integrate these communities more firmly into the broader economic fabric of Assam.

What was announced

The conclusion of the Basic Tailoring Training Programme was announced on August 19, 2026, following its successful implementation by the 64th Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal, Barama. The training took place at Border Out Post (BOP) Patkijuli. A total of 36 women from villages falling under the jurisdiction of BOPs Daranga, Patkijuli, Sukanjuli, and Paschim Amrari participated in the programme.

Commandant Anuj Kumar, who attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest, encouraged the participants to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to leverage their newly acquired skills for creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. The SSB also confirmed that certificates would be issued to all women who successfully completed the programme, which will assist them in pursuing employment and self-employment ventures locally. Participants shared positive feedback regarding the training, according to an official report.

Why it matters

This initiative holds significant importance for women in Assam’s border regions, offering a pathway to economic self-reliance and empowerment. The acquisition of tailoring skills provides these women with a tangible means to generate income, either through establishing their own small businesses or securing employment in the local garment sector. This directly addresses the need for sustainable livelihood options in areas often characterised by limited economic opportunities.

The programme also complements the broader vision of the Assam government, which has intensified its focus on women’s self-employment and entrepreneurship. Schemes such as the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA), launched on April 1, 2025, aim to transform women members of Self-Help Groups into rural micro-entrepreneurs by providing financial support and training. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has highlighted the goal of creating 40 lakh “Lakhpati Baideos” (prosperous sisters) across the state, thereby strengthening household incomes and invigorating the rural economy.

Furthermore, the SSB’s Civic Action Programme plays a crucial role in fostering trust and cooperation between security forces and the local populace. By engaging in community-oriented welfare activities, the SSB reinforces its commitment to the holistic development of border areas, beyond its primary security mandate.

Background

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is one of India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Established in 1963, its primary responsibility is to guard India’s international borders with Nepal and Bhutan. Beyond its security duties, the SSB is mandated to promote a sense of security and address the developmental needs of communities residing in these border regions.

The Civic Action Programme (CAP), under which this tailoring training was conducted, was introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2003-04 as a centrally sponsored scheme. The core objective of CAP is to bridge developmental and psychological gaps between the state and citizens in sensitive, remote, and border regions. It enables CAPFs to undertake targeted civic and developmental activities alongside their operational mandates, thereby complementing conventional security measures with trust-building and socio-economic support. These programmes often include vocational training, medical camps, and infrastructure development.

The SSB has a history of conducting similar skill development initiatives. For instance, the 6th Battalion SSB, Ranighuli of Kokrajhar, organised a month-long tailoring training programme for unemployed border youths in July 2023. Similarly, the SSB has initiated special tailoring training programmes to empower women in regions like Kashmir. These efforts are part of a broader government strategy to uplift border communities.

The Union government’s Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), launched in 2023, also aims for the comprehensive development of border villages, particularly along the northern border. It allocates significant funds for various interventions, including skill development and entrepreneurship, to improve the quality of life and reverse outmigration from these strategic areas. The programme focuses on economic growth, livelihood generation, and empowering youth and women through skill development.

The Assam government has also been proactive in promoting women’s entrepreneurship. The “Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan” (MMUA) scheme, for example, provides phased financial assistance to women Self-Help Group members to start or strengthen income-generating activities. This initiative aims to create “Lakhpati Baideos” and contribute significantly to the state’s rural economy.

Key details

The Basic Tailoring Training Programme was organised by the 64th Battalion of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Barama. It was implemented as part of the Civic Action Programme (CAP) for the financial year 2026–27. The training was conducted at Border Out Post (BOP) Patkijuli. A total of 36 women from neighbouring villages, specifically those under the jurisdiction of BOPs Daranga, Patkijuli, Sukanjuli, and Paschim Amrari, participated in the programme. The primary objective was to equip these women with practical tailoring skills to enable them to pursue self-employment and achieve economic self-reliance. Upon successful completion, participants are slated to receive certificates from the SSB.

Reactions

Commandant Anuj Kumar, addressing the participants at the closing ceremony, emphasised the importance of collective action. He encouraged the women to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as a means to further their entrepreneurial ventures and create broader livelihood opportunities within their communities. Officials familiar with the programme stated that such initiatives are crucial for community development and youth empowerment in border regions, simultaneously strengthening the bond between security forces and the local population.

What’s next

Following the conclusion of the training, the 36 women participants are expected to utilise their newly acquired tailoring skills to establish self-employment ventures or seek local employment. The encouragement from Commandant Anuj Kumar to form Self-Help Groups suggests a pathway for collective enterprise and mutual support among the beneficiaries. The provision of certificates by the SSB will serve as official recognition of their training, potentially aiding their access to further opportunities or financial assistance for business startups. The SSB is anticipated to continue its Civic Action Programmes in border areas, focusing on various welfare and skill development initiatives to foster peace, stability, and socio-economic progress in these regions. These efforts are likely to integrate with ongoing state and central government schemes aimed at women’s empowerment and rural development in Assam.

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