Government to Support Women SHGs in Rice Milling, Solar Power, and Transportation Initiatives
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced significant measures to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) by helping them establish rice mills, godowns, and other essential facilities. Speaking at a public meeting marking International Women's Day on Saturday, the Chief Minister stated that the government's primary goal is to elevate one crore women into 'crorepatis'.
Reddy emphasized that the state government would actively assist women SHGs in procuring paddy, storing it in warehouses, and milling it to supply rice directly to the government and the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
SHGs Crucial for Telangana’s USD 1 Trillion Economy Goal
The Chief Minister underscored that achieving Telangana's ambitious goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy hinges on the success and growth of these SHGs. Currently, Telangana has approximately 65 lakh SHG members, a number projected to expand to one crore due to recent policy relaxations introduced by the state government.
Notably, the government has revised age-related eligibility criteria for SHG membership, lowering the minimum age from 18 to 15 years and increasing the maximum age from 60 to 65 years, enabling more women to participate.
SHGs to Enter Solar Energy Sector and Transportation
Further solidifying the government's commitment to empowering women economically, CM Reddy virtually laid the foundation stone for projects enabling SHGs to operate solar power plants. He also launched an innovative scheme allowing women SHGs to purchase buses through loans, which will then be leased to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC), creating a sustainable income stream.
Reddy highlighted his administration’s efforts to transform women SHG members into entrepreneurs and industrialists, particularly by introducing them to sectors such as solar energy, traditionally dominated by larger corporate entities.
Revanth Reddy Criticizes Former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao
During his address, Revanth Reddy took the opportunity to criticize former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, comparing his governance under the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to an "eclipse," asserting that the state is now liberated from its influence.
Historical Context and Affectionate Titles
Reflecting on past leadership, Reddy mentioned former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s significant contribution to women’s empowerment through reservations in local bodies. He also recalled how former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was affectionately referred to as 'Indiramma', while the late N T Rama Rao was fondly called 'Anna' (elder brother).
Expressing gratitude for the affection he receives, Reddy noted that women now address him as 'Revanth Anna', symbolizing his close relationship with the state's women and families.
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