Lucknow, September 18, 2025 – Usha International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Industries and Enterprise Promotion (DIEP), Government of Uttar Pradesh, to strengthen livelihoods through training, equipment, financial assistance, and skill certification for women and artisans.
The collaboration, announced in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Vishwakarma Jayanti at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, aligns with the state’s flagship One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana (VSSY).
Under this partnership, Usha International will serve as the training partner to upskill artisans associated with tailoring. Participants completing the program will receive certification under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.
Usha will leverage its flagship Usha Silai School (USS) program to implement the initiative. Launched in 2011, USS has set up over 37,700 schools across 75% of India’s districts and 23,900+ villages, empowering women through sewing and garment-making training. The program has also expanded to Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, working with 127 NGO partners and 72 institutional collaborators.
Speaking on the occasion, Madhav Mani, CEO of Usha International, said:
“At Usha, we believe that empowering women with skills, connecting them with the organized workforce, and enabling them to establish micro-enterprises is integral to India’s growth story. Our partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Government reflects this commitment as we work to transform women into earners, leaders, and changemakers.”
The Uttar Pradesh government will identify beneficiaries, offer financial support, and facilitate RPL certification. To ensure large-scale impact, the state has partnered with over 20 training organizations.
Madhav Mani added that the initiative resonates with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “women-led development.”
“On the occasion of our Prime Minister’s 75th birthday, we proudly reaffirm our dedication to building skills, confidence, and opportunities for women, enabling them to transform not just their own lives but their communities as well,” he said.
The collaboration is expected to benefit thousands of artisans across Uttar Pradesh, enhance their skills, and open new income-generation opportunities.
For more information, visit www.usha.com | www.ushasilaischool.com | www.ushasew.com
