“In the beginning, we will produce polythene bags for sugar and cement. They will be supplied to Sumedh Polymers, a Pune-based firm,” the women office-bearers said. “Our produce will also be exported to Dubai,” they said. Ubale said the objective behind setting up of the unit was not to earn profit, but to make employment for women. The polythene bag producing industrial unit has been set up on Dehu-Alandi Road in Talawade. The Swamini Mahasangh came into existence after as many as eleven self-help groups came together. The Mahasangh has 156 members.

“Yes, this is the first of its kind project in Pune,” said PCMC assistant municipal commissioner Sudhir Joshi who was earlier heading the women and child welfare department. It was because Joshi's initiative the scheme was launched by the PCMC.