Uttam accuses BRS Govt of neglecting women’s SHGs, promises women empowerment in Congress rule

Hyderabad, November 20: Nalgonda MP and Congress candidate from Huzurnagar constituency N Uttam Kumar Reddy has levelled scathing criticism against the BRS government for its alleged apathy towards the welfare of Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

Addressing a gathering of women associated with SHGs in Huzurnagar on Monday, Uttam Kumar Reddy lamented the abrupt halt in the activities of Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) groups since the BRS came to power in Telangana. He highlighted the glaring disparity in the government’s treatment of SHGs, pointing to the outstanding arrears of nearly Rs. 4,250 crores owed to these groups. This includes the non-payment of Rs. 2,200 crores in interest to 3.85 lakh SHGs in rural areas and Rs. 750 crores to 1.52 lakh SHGs in urban areas.

Uttam Kumar Reddy further accused the BRS government of diverting Rs. 360 crore of Abhaya Hastam funds, meant for providing pensions to SHG members, for other purposes. This, he asserted, is a clear indication of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao’s lack of commitment to women’s welfare and empowerment.

Stating that the Congress party is winning the next elections, Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that the next government would revive schemes like Abhay Hastham for the SHG groups. He said a permanent building would be constructed for DWACRA groups, and interest-free loans would be provided.

About 52 lakh women are associated with nearly 4.5 lakh SHGs in rural areas, while 15 lakh women are members of 1.5 lakh SHGs in urban areas. Overall, Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the next Congress government would take measures for the economic empowerment of nearly 70 lakh members of SHGs in the State. He appealed to the women to teach a fitting lesson to KCR who humiliated women SHGs on multiple occasions.

He said that the Congress party in its manifesto has assured to give Rs. 2,500 monthly financial assistance to women, Gas Cylinders at Rs. 500 and free travel for women in TSRTC buses across the state. Further, he said that the next Congress Govt would also provide electric scooters to all young women above 18 years of age & who are pursuing education.

Further, Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the Kalyanamastu scheme would be implemented providing 10 grams of gold in addition to Rs.1 lakh assistance to girls belonging to BPL families at the time of their marriage. He said the Mahila Commission will be strengthened to improve the safety of women. A skill development centre for aspiring women entrepreneurs will be set up along with a dedicated special fund.Further, he said that the monthly salary of Anganwadi teachers will be increased to Rs. 18,000, and they will be brought under EPF coverage to ensure job security. Special measures for the safety of women IT employees will be taken, he said. (Maxim News)

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