Kanchanpur, Dec. 1 -- Fifty-year-old Lakshmi Mahata from Mahendranagar was a full-time housewife a year ago. Once she was done with household chores, she would while away her days, she says.

Today, things have taken a turn for the good since a factory was established in her neighbourhood. She is now employed and earns a decent income. The factory produces hand-made brooms and other products made of bamboo. "I come early, after I cook food for the family, and return to make supper. It's a good use of my free time, said Lakshmi, adding that she earns about Rs600 daily. "More importantly, I have learned a new skill," she said.

The women who work with Lakshmi prepare up to 150 brooms a day, and get paid Rs4 for each product. "With the money...