Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said on Wednesday that the state government is committed to women empowerment by unveiling a series of initiatives aimed at economic and social upliftment.
He said the government has decided to involve Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of women in the generation of 1,000 megawatts of solar power through a partnership between the energy and rural development departments.
In a video conference with district collectors on Wednesday, Bhatti Vikramarka stressed that financial independence is key to women's development. He urged collectors to expedite the implementation of the new energy policy agreement signed between the two departments on November 19, 2024.
The government aims to utilise 4,000 acres of land statewide to set up solar power plants, requiring each district to allocate at least 150 acres. District collectors have been directed to identify suitable land parcels, including endowment and irrigation department properties.
“The initiative will empower tribal communities and women while boosting renewable energy production,” Bhatti Vikramarka said. Farmers in agency areas, he noted, could benefit from drip irrigation supported by solar energy, fostering large-scale cultivation.
The energy department has already invited tenders for the project, with the rural development department tasked with finalising SHGs and facilitating bank loans.
Under the Congress government’s ambitious plan, one crore women are expected to become financially independent within five years. Interest-free loans are being extended to SHGs, with officers instructed to enable investments in diverse businesses.
In urban areas like Hyderabad, the government is exploring the installation of solar power plants on large buildings and hilly terrains. Farmers, too, can participate under the PM Kusum scheme, generating up to 2 MW of solar power.
The deputy chief minister also launched pre-budget meetings on Wednesday, starting with the departments of Rural Development, Women and Child Welfare. Along with ministers Seethakka and Konda Surekha, he reviewed ongoing schemes and future plans.
It was decided to strengthen Anganwadi services to provide nutritious food for children, provision of sports kits to children in juvenile homes through the State Sports Authority, and plans to expand the involvement of transgender individuals in administrative and welfare roles.
Unused women's camps in district centres will be repurposed for SHG training, enabling women to enter larger business ventures. Plans for short-term training for the disabled are also underway.
