Remya Jose, a student, has developed a simple ingenious arrangement for washing clothes by foot pedaling using commonly available components such as a box, a wire mesh cage, bicycle pedals and bearing support. This machine can handle three kg of clothes at a time, saves time and is portable too.

There are advantages galore especially in rural areas where electricity is a scarcity and with the revision of rates, the common man cannot afford to use an electric washing machine even if he could in the first place buy one. This machine at a cost of Rs.2000 stays within the budget. By attaching a cycle-like device to it, it can be used as an exercise machine thereby serving the twin purposes of keeping fit as well as doing the laundry. This machine meets a vital (universal) social need of washing in an energy efficient way and saves time and effort for women. Further it can be easily manufactured in any part of the country by anyone with no machining, manufacturing or assembling complexity.

Remya hails from Kizhattoor Panchayat in Malappuram district, Kerala and developed this washing machine after her 10 th standard exams when her mother fell sick. A smokeless stove and a mini vacuum cleaner are other innovations, which Remya is working on.

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