SC Families’ Economic Uplift Is My Goal: MP Kesineni Chinni

Vijayawada:Vijayawada MP Kesineni Chinni on Tuesday said economic empowerment of Scheduled Caste families is his primary objective and announced the launch of an Integrated Economic Development Programme in Nandigama and Tiruvuru Assembly constituencies with support from the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC).

The programme, being implemented jointly by the Kesineni Foundation and NSFDC, follows nearly two years of efforts by the MP. A review meeting with officials of various departments was held at the collectorate under the chairmanship of district collector Dr G. Lakshmisha.

Speaking at the meeting, the MP said earlier welfare programmes were conducted through NIRD, but the focus is now being shifted towards the economic advancement of SC communities. He said the aim is to create at least one self-entrepreneur in every SC family through skill development and financial assistance.

He said the Kesineni Foundation has been providing training in various sectors and is also facilitating financial support through NSFDC-backed schemes to ensure sustainable livelihoods.

NSFDC CGM Ramesh Rao said the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (IEDP) aims to promote livelihood opportunities for SC families through subsidised loans routed via Andhra Pradesh Grameena Bank, Stree Nidhi Andhra Pradesh, APSFC and public sector banks.

He said around 100 SC women would receive credit linkage support in the first phase, while skill training has already been completed through the Kesineni Foundation at NIRD, Hyderabad.

Ramesh Rao said the programme has an estimated outlay of `20 crore, with an average loan assistance of `1 lakh per beneficiary. The initiative also includes entrepreneurship development, brand building and marketing support through exhibitions sponsored by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.