The Congress government in Telangana has launched a significant financial empowerment initiative, distributing interest-free loans totaling ₹304 crore to benefit approximately 3.50 lakh women across the state. This massive program marks a revival of women-focused financial assistance that had been discontinued by the previous administration.
Government's Strategic Implementation Plan
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has taken personal charge of ensuring the program's successful implementation. He has directed Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty CEO Divya Devarajan to coordinate with ministers and MLAs, ensuring they are properly informed about the initiative in advance.
The program operates through a structured grassroots approach where mandal samakhya and village samakhya members play crucial roles at the assembly constituency level. These local representatives work alongside senior leaders to ensure the loans reach the intended beneficiaries effectively.
Revival of Women Empowerment Initiative
Deputy CM Vikramarka emphasized the historical context of this initiative, stating that the previous government had abandoned the interest-free loans program. However, under what he termed the 'people's government', the scheme has been relaunched on an unprecedented scale.
"However, under the 'people's govt', it was relaunched on a massive scale, instilling confidence and courage among women across the state," Vikramarka declared during the program announcement.
Upcoming Major Distribution Event
Since the Congress government took office in December 2023, interest-free loans have already been distributed in two to three phases across Telangana. The upcoming distribution scheduled for November 25 is expected to be another significant milestone for women's self-help groups.
"The upcoming distribution on Nov 25 is set to be another major milestone for women SHGs, a testament to the govt's unwavering commitment to empowering women," the Deputy CM affirmed.
The program was discussed in detail during a video-conference that included Minister Seethakka, the Chief Secretary, Finance Principal Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania, and CEO Divya Devarajan.
Vikramarka highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative, stating, "The programme is not just about financial aid; it is about building a future where women could stand tall, empowered and confident, ready to take on the world."
This comprehensive women empowerment scheme represents one of the major social welfare initiatives undertaken by the current state government, focusing specifically on economic independence and confidence building among rural and urban women through accessible financial support.
