FM Bhatti Emphasises Economic Empowerment Initiatives For Women
The government would cover the interest expenses, relieving women’s groups from any repayment burden
Bhatti Vikramarka speaking at a programme after inaugurating Indira Mahila Shakti Canteen at the Collectorate here on Sunday
Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said the State government is taking various measures to empower women financially.
Speaking at a programme after inaugurating Indira Mahila Shakti Canteen at the Collectorate here on Sunday, the Deputy Chief Minister explained that under the Indiramma Rajyam government, a series of initiatives was taken up to empower women through interest-free loans and various support programmes.
Interacting with members of women’s self-help groups, the Deputy Chief Minister discussed the importance of interest-free loans in helping women establish and sustain profitable businesses.
He mentioned that while previous governments had discontinued these loans, the current administration has reinstated them to support women entrepreneurs.
Bhatti Vikramarka assured that the government would cover the interest expenses, relieving women’s groups from any repayment burden.
He warned that any attempt to obstruct women’s self-help groups would be met with strict action. Highlighting the recent establishment of the Indira Mahila Shakti Canteen in Khammam, Bhatti Vikramarka said the canteen, operated by women’s self-help groups, was part of the government’s strategy to enable women to generate income independently. The administration has also introduced free bus travel for women across RTC buses, with the government covering the associated costs, which amount to Rs400 crore each month, he said. The Deputy Chief Minister detailed plans to provide comprehensive support for women entrepreneurs, including training, resources, and access to markets. He announced that Rs20,000 crore in interest-free loans would be allocated annually to women, with an ambitious goal of disbursing Rs1 lakh crore in the next five years. Additionally, steps are being taken to establish MSME parks within each constituency, offering facilities such as roads, power, and drainage infrastructure, Bhatti Vikramarka said. The Deputy Chief Minister also underscored the importance of women’s involvement in local industries and rural development initiatives, directing officials to bring these opportunities to grassroots communities. The government, he said, is actively working to generate revenue opportunities for women, including in future tourism developments, and recently launched Indira Mahila Dairy in Madhira.
The Deputy Chief Minister also inaugurated a series of facilities at the District Collectorate, including a bus stop shelter, a women’s tea stall, a ladies’ lounge and an employees’ cafeteria.
