Telangana: 6,000 Poor Families in 5 Districts to Benefit From New SERP Plan

Adilabad: The state government is poised to launch an Integrated Development initiative targeting 6,000 of the poorest families across eight mandals in five districts — Adilabad, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mulugu, Narayanpet, and Nagarkurnool — as part of the Telangana Inclusive Livelihoods Programme under the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP).

According to sources, the programme, which aims to improve living standards and bolster the rural economy, may be expanded to additional districts based on initial implementation experiences. The Aga Khan Foundation and BRAC International are expected to collaborate with SERP on the rollout of the programme.

The Department of Rural Development is currently drafting action plans that integrate various state and Central welfare schemes. District officials will identify the poorest families and focus on providing essential services, including Aadhaar cards, social security cards, education, health services, and bank loans.

A dedicated coordinator will be appointed to oversee the identification process and ensure that the selected families receive support in the form of improved infrastructure, including roads, drinking water, electricity, and other basic amenities in their villages.

SERP will play a key role in both identifying the target families and executing the welfare schemes, with self-help groups also involved in the selection process. In a recent meeting with district collectors, SERP CEO Divya Devarajan outlined the programme's objectives and the strategy for implementation.

Asifabad district collector Venkatesh Dhotre highlighted the district's commitment to effectively implementing both state and central government schemes aimed at uplifting tribal communities. "Our focus is on creating basic infrastructure to enhance living conditions in rural and tribal areas," he stated.