In a unique two-way partnership, a Franciscan order and a retail chain, both of Italian origin, are joining hands to set up an apparel unit in Kerala.
The aim? To do their little bit to promote social development in the state. The Franciscans Sisters of St Elizabeth of Casalino (Italy) are allying with a large Italian hypermarket chain to setup an apparel unit near Alwaye in Kerala, for exporting shirts to the hypermarket.
“The aim of the project is to promote employment among women in this village. Most of the women earn a pittance doing odd jobs like fish cleaning and retailing, earning a daily wage of Rs 25. The project will provide employment to women of all religions,” says Sister Francesca of the House of Fraternity of Madaplathuruth. “We would be training the women in sewing, finishing and expect to have over 300 women to be employed once the factory is fully functional,” said Satish Mahajan, chairman of the Karnataka chapter of the Clothing Manufacturers’ Association of India (CMAI).
While refusing to indicate the amount of investment and the name of the Italian hypermarket, Mr Mahajan said, the aim was to marry business and societal needs. The House of Fraternity provides services to destitute women, widows besides abandoned women.
Interestingly enough, the entire investment for the project is coming from the Italian hypermarket, while the church is expected to oversee the operations.
The factory, which would be built on a 1.5 acre plot would have modern sewing machines, a prayer room, dining halls, toilets, TV room and also a piano room. The Italian missionary organisation has limited presence globally and operates in Bolivia, Philippines and India, besides Italy.
But what seems to have swung the preference in India’s favour is the latter’s strength as a leading apparel maker and exporter.
India competes alongside China, Philippines and Indonesia in the global apparel market.
However given that China is an “atheist” nation, India’s religious belief and business competitiveness seemed to have swung the deal in its favour.