Khammam: The Congress government is working hard to improve the economic conditions of women in the state, said Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Finance and Energy, Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu. He spoke at the inauguration of various facilities including a bus stop shelter, a women’s tea stall, a lounge for ladies, an employees’ dining hall, and Indira Mahila Shakti canteens at the Khammam Collectorate. He was joined by District Collector Muzzamil Khan, Wyra MLA Maloth Ramdas, and Additional Collector P Srija.
After the event, the Deputy Chief Minister spoke with members of Self Help Groups (SHGs). He talked about the interest-free loans that are being offered to women’s groups and asked them about the types of businesses they were starting with these loans. He emphasized the importance of making all women aware of these opportunities. He criticized the previous government for not focusing enough on women’s empowerment. Additionally, he pointed out that within 48 hours of forming the government, they had introduced free bus travel for women, and the government is now spending Rs 400 crore every month for this service.
The Deputy CM also shared that the government is working on improving facilities in government schools through Amma Adarsha Pathasala committees. He mentioned that cooking gas cylinders for domestic use are being provided at a subsidized rate of Rs 500 per cylinder. He explained that when women become financially strong, their entire families benefit. He encouraged women to use the available loans to start businesses and take advantage of the support and training provided by the government.
He further announced that the government plans to set up MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) Parks exclusively for women in every Assembly Constituency. Sites for these parks are currently being identified. The government will also help market the products made by women in these parks.
In response to requests from women, the government has directed banks to provide an additional Rs 5,000 crore in loans to women. The Deputy CM urged women to take full advantage of these opportunities. He also encouraged officials from the rural development department and SERP to spread awareness about these programs at the village level.
At the event, the president of the District Federation of Women’s Groups, Suhasini, expressed confidence that with the government’s support, women’s groups would become financially empowered.
State Warehousing Corporation Chairman Rayala Nageswara Rao, State Handicrafts Development Corporation Chairman Naidu Satyanarayana, Assistant Collector Mrunal Shrestha, DRDO PD Sanyasaiah, DRO M Rajeswari, and other officials were also present at the program.
