Turning adverse circumstances into opportunities

Now earning Rs 1 lakh a month, she is not only financially independent but also creating employment opportunities in her village.

In the quiet village of Bandapalli in Wanaparthy district, 30-year-old Computer Science graduate Peddhabudi Vanaja is redefining what success looks like. At a time when many chase conventional engineering jobs, Vanaja chose a different path—one that not only brought her financial independence but also created livelihoods for others in her community.

“Despite completing my Computer Science Engineering, I didn’t want to sit and wait endlessly for a job. I wanted to build something on my own and create opportunities right here in my village,” says Vanaja.

Her journey took a decisive turn through initiatives led by the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), under the guidance of Minister Danasari Anasuya and SERP CEO Divya Devarajan. In collaboration with the National Academy of Construction, the programme introduced women to non-conventional sectors like centring units and construction technologies.

“The training completely changed my perspective. I realised there is huge demand in construction and very few women are part of it. That gave me the confidence to step in,” she explains.

The programme equipped her with technical knowledge—from materials like steel and aluminium to understanding design drawings and managing workflows—along with essential business skills.

“It wasn’t just about learning a skill. We were trained on how to run a business—how to plan manpower, manage materials, and execute work properly,” she adds.

With institutional support, Vanaja secured a Rs20 lakh loan under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, which enabled her to establish her enterprise. She aligned her business with the growing demand under the Indiramma Housing Scheme.

“Today, I operate three centring units in my village. Each unit supports construction work, and there is steady demand because of the housing projects,” she says.

Now earning close to Rs 1 lakh per month, Vanaja has not only achieved financial stability but also created jobs locally.

“This journey has changed my life. I am earning well, but more importantly, I am able to provide employment to others. People now see that women can succeed even in sectors like construction,” she notes.

Vanaja is among 772 women trained under this initiative across the State. So far, 154 have established centring units, while 16 have applied for assistance under PMEGP, with Detailed Project Reports already sent to districts for further support.

“There are so many opportunities if we are willing to step out of our comfort zones. With the right training and support, women can achieve much more than they imagine,” she says, summing up her journey.