Telangana targets one crore SHG women members, aims to make them ‘crorepatis’ by 2034: CM Revanth

Kodangal, Nov 8 (TNT) : Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday announced that the state government aimed to increase membership in women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to one crore and transform their members into crorepatis by 2034.

Addressing an interactive programme with women SHG members at Kodangal on the occasion of his birthday, the Chief Minister said around 70 lakh women had already joined the groups.

“My life will be fulfilled if I can help one crore women become millionaires during my tenure as Chief Minister,” he said, stressing that women should become financially independent and emerge as entrepreneurs.

Revanth Reddy also announced the sanction of 4.5 lakh new Cheyutha pensions, including 3.5 lakh for single women and widows.

Pensions had also been sanctioned for weavers and toddy tappers on a saturation basis, he said.

Thanking women for their support in his political journey, the Chief Minister said women’s empowerment was the top priority of his government.

He urged women to ensure quality education for their children, particularly daughters, and encourage them to pursue higher studies.

“Your children should not face the hardships you have experienced. Take a pledge to ensure that your daughters pursue higher education. The government will stand by you,” he said.

Taking a dig at BRS leader K T Rama Rao, the Chief Minister questioned his claims on women’s empowerment and alleged that he had driven his own sister out of the family.

He said the BRS should explain what it had done for women during its ten-year rule.

Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Revanth Reddy said women SHGs had been entrusted with stitching school uniforms, generating annual business worth Rs 150 crore to Rs 200 crore. SHGs were also being involved in petrol bunk operations and solar power generation.

The management of Indiramma canteens, including those at the Secretariat and other government offices, had been handed over to women, he said.

The government had facilitated bank-linked loans worth Rs 79,000 crore to women in the last 34 months, while Indiramma houses were being registered in women’s names, he said.

The provision of 200 units of free electricity and free RTC bus travel benefiting 37 lakh women daily were among the other initiatives, he added.

The Chief Minister also said the government had introduced fine rice distribution through the public distribution system for poorer sections.

Describing his birthday celebrations with women SHG members as a special occasion, Revanth Reddy thanked them for attending the programme despite Deepavali festivities.

He said their blessings were his source of strength and announced that sarees were being presented to women as a gesture of respect and affection.

TNT TS