Hyderabad: The State government is taking steps to boost women’s economic empowerment. From July 12 to 18, women Self Help Groups (SHGs) across all Assembly constituencies will receive interest-free loans. This year, the government plans to distribute ₹20,000 crore in such loans to these groups.
To further support SHGs, the government will also offer bank linkage, loans, and accident insurance. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka highlighted that women groups are already being supported through jobs like running canteens and school repair work. The government aims to buy products made by these groups, ensuring a market for their goods.
At the ‘Indira Mahila Shakti’ event, Vikramarka distributed RTC rental cheques to women groups. He encouraged women to take advantage of the facilities provided by the government to enhance Brand Telangana. He criticized the BRS regime for neglecting SHGs during its 10-year rule. In contrast, the Congress government has revived interest-free loans, promoting women’s involvement in special businesses. Interest-free loan cheques have been given out twice before in Hyderabad.
Vikramarka expressed satisfaction that women groups have been empowered to buy buses and lease them to TGSRTC. As part of this initiative, one crore rupees were distributed as rent payments in the first phase. He mentioned that future profits from RTC will be shared with these groups.
The government aims to make one crore women millionaires within the first year by distributing interest-free loans worth ₹21,000 crore. Each year, at least ₹20,000 crore in interest-free loans will be provided to women’s groups.
