Telangana Government Plans Petrol Bunks and Solar Plants for Women SHGs
The Telangana government is launching initiatives to empower women self-help groups by allocating petrol bunks and solar plants. With ₹61,000 crore in loans and a focus on literacy, the state aims to ensure financial independence for one crore women.
Highlights
- •Telangana government plans to allocate petrol bunks, godowns, and solar plants to women self-help groups.
- •Interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh have been provided to SHG members, totaling ₹61,000 crore in two years.
- •The 'Amma ki Aksharamala' program has successfully helped six lakh women achieve Class 10-level literacy.
- •A new 'Srinidhi' bank linkage cheque worth ₹50 crore was distributed to 194 women's self-help groups.
The Telangana state government is rolling out ambitious plans to bolster the economic independence of women by facilitating their involvement in key infrastructure sectors. According to the state’s Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister, Danasari Anasuya Seethakka, empowering women economically is a cornerstone for achieving the broader developmental goals of the state. These initiatives for women self-help groups (SHGs) aim to create sustainable livelihoods and ensure financial stability for millions of participants across the region.
Empowering Women SHGs Through Strategic Infrastructure
During an event at the Durgabai Mahila Sishu Vikasa Kendra in Alair, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of community workers. The administration is actively developing plans to allocate petrol bunks, storage godowns, and solar power plants specifically to women SHGs. This move is designed to provide these groups with diversified income streams and long-term business opportunities. Furthermore, the government is organizing specialized groups to support women over the age of 60, ensuring they remain integral to the state’s socio-economic framework.
The financial support provided to these groups has been substantial, with interest-free loans reaching up to ₹5 lakh per member. Over the past two-and-a-half years, the state has disbursed ₹61,000 crore to strengthen these collectives. Beyond direct financing, the state is also prioritizing education. Through the 'Amma ki Aksharamala' program, six lakh women have already attained literacy equivalent to the Class 10 level, helping to bridge the educational gap among the 67 lakh members currently registered in women SHGs across Telangana.
Fostering a Culture of Financial Independence
Government officials, including Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, highlighted that the ultimate objective is to enable one crore women to achieve financial self-reliance. Many welfare programs are now being launched in the names of women to ensure targeted outreach and recognition. During the proceedings, Bandu Shobha Rani, chairperson of the Telangana State Women’s Cooperative Development Corporation, reaffirmed that the state is dedicated to fostering growth through various welfare-centric initiatives.
To provide immediate financial assistance, the minister ceremonially handed over a 'Srinidhi' bank linkage cheque valued at ₹50 crore to 194 self-help groups. The event also included the inauguration of housing units under the Indiramma homes scheme in Alair. With the active involvement of officials such as Government Whip Beerla Ilaiah and child welfare officer Narasimha Rao, the government continues to solidify its focus on grassroots development and long-term prosperity for the women of the state.
