Women Development Top Priority of Govt: D Seethakka

 Hyderabad: Women and child welfare minister D. Seethakka on Saturday said women should take advantage of the loans given by banks to increase their income and grow economically.

At a function to mark the annual credit plan for the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty-Rural Development Organisation-SHG- bank, she said Rs 20,000 crore had been allocated as a target for 3,56,273 societies.

The minister said development of women would be given utmost priority by the new government. At least 2,53,864 societies would get funds under interest-free loans. Advance funds of Rs 264.34 crore was released from December 2023 to March 2024. Society women would get Rs 10 lakh for accident insurance and loan insurance up to Rs 2 lakh has been provided.

A decision was also taken to set up Mahila Shakti canteens across the state and plans have been made to set up women power canteens in secretariat, collector offices, all head offices, tourist areas, temples, bus stands and industrial areas. In this way, efforts are made for economic development of women in women's groups. “Personal loans are provided by banks to help them develop their income generation programmes," Seethakka said.

"Our government is moving ahead with the determination to make women millionaires, and for that purpose, 3,56,273 societies will be given Rs 20,000 crore for various livelihood programme for 2,25,000 women and `4,500 crore will be provided by banks," she said.