Telangana Secures Second Place in Women-Friendly Panchayat Category
Telangana has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the second position in the Mahila Mitra Panchayat category in the prestigious ‘Jatiya Panchayati Awards-2024’ presented by the Central government.
The Central Panchayat Raj Department announced the winners of the Deenadayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskaras, recognizing 27 Gram Panchayats across India based on nine key factors. In the “Women-Friendly Panchayat” category, Chillapally Gram Panchayat of Manthani Mandal in Peddapalli District took the second spot. The awards will be presented by President Draupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi on December 11.
Chillapally village has become a beacon of hope and progress for women, many of whom have embraced self-employment to run various businesses. These efforts have led to significant economic development in a short period, making the women not only assets to their families but also role models for others. Villagers are overjoyed that the Gram Panchayat has been recognized at the national level for its women-friendly initiatives.
Women in Chillapally have been actively taking loans from banks to pursue self-employment opportunities. This has fueled rural development and economic growth in the district. Remarkably, women have utilized 100% of the loans they received, demonstrating their commitment and efficiency. In the village, there are 33 Swashakti Sanghas (women’s groups) with 335 members, collectively securing loans amounting to Rs. 3.35 crore from various banks. Alongside repaying their loans regularly, the women have also saved Rs. 4.45 lakh in their accounts.
Additionally, 79 women’s groups have obtained loans worth Rs. 34 lakh through Streenidhi, enabling them to start businesses such as tailoring, running beauty parlors, general stores, Kangan halls, paddy buffalo management, mini ATMs, and paddy centers. The women’s groups have come together as a village association to ensure the fair distribution of government welfare schemes and to spread awareness about development programs.
Their unity and dedication were further demonstrated when the government entrusted them with the responsibility of repairing Amma Adarsha Schools. The women efficiently completed the repairs, earning widespread appreciation and respect.
One of the inspiring stories from Chillapally is that of Mallishwari Darji, who took a loan from Swashakti Sangham to purchase a Pico machine and a sewing machine. With these, she earns up to Rs. 15,000 per month and has managed to build her own house within two years. Mallishwari has also bought another sewing machine for selling sarees and falls, while training others in sewing, further empowering women in her community.
Speaking on the honor, DRDA Assistant Project Manager Santosham Padma expressed pride in Chillapally’s achievement. She remarked that this recognition at the national level is proof that women can accomplish anything when they set their minds to it.
