Congress government’s initiatives to boost financial independence of women

■ 600 RTC buses initiative: Women-led Mandal Mahila Samakhyas (MMS) to fund and operate buses in collaboration with TGSRTC, ensuring financial stability.

■ 4,000 MW Solar Power Generation: SHGs to lease land, secure bank loans, and earn Rs 30 lakh per MW annually under Indira Mahila Shakti.

■ Women-Centric economic reforms: Telangana government entrusting SHGs with large-scale projects, including bus ownership, solar energy, stitching uniforms, and running canteens.

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Congress government in Telangana is spearheading innovative initiatives to empower women and ensure their financial independence. By entrusting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women-led organizations with large-scale projects, the government aims to create sustainable income opportunities while strengthening essential services across the state.

In a fresh development, government has issued an order (G.O Rt.No.137) approving the funding and procurement of 600 buses through Mandal Mahila Samakhyas (MMS) in collaboration with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC). Under Indira Mahila Shakti, this initiative aims to enhance rural transportation while empowering women-led organizations. On March 8, International Women's Day, CM Revanth Reddy, Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers Seethakka and Ponnam Prabhakar will formally launch the scheme by handing over 50 buses to RTC at the Parade Ground.

In the first phase, 150 Mandal Mahila Samakhyas from 17 districts in the erstwhile Khammam, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, and Warangal region—will fund the purchase of 150 buses, with the remaining 450 buses to be procured in the next phase. Buses will be funded by Mandal Mahila Samakhyas (MMS) and will be placed at the disposal with TGSRTC for operations, and TGSRTC will hypothecate the buses to the concerned MMS and register in RC Book.

The cost of each bus is approximately Rs 36 lakhs, and TGSRTC will pay a monthly hire charge of Rs 77,220 per bus, which includes an EMI component of Rs 58,857 at a 9.51% interest rate. Government will provide bank guarantee to women's groups for the purchase of buses Additionally, TGSRTC has committed to paying the agreed hire charges before the 5th of every month for a period of seven years, ensuring financial returns to the women groups for their investment.

This strategic collaboration is expected to strengthen public transport infrastructure while providing financial sustainability to women-led cooperative groups. The Chief Executive Officer, SERP, Hyderabad, and the Vice Chairman & Managing Director, TGSRTC, have been directed to oversee the smooth execution of this initiative. Panchayat Raj department claimed that this is the first such initiative where women groups were being made owners of buses that will be pressed into service by the state road transport corporation.

Generation of Solar power and other initiatives for women

It may be noted that the Congress government is empowering women SHGs by assigning them the responsibility of generating 4,000 MW solar power. Initially proposed for 1,000 MW, the Energy Department expanded the allocation. This move enhances women's financial independence while boosting the state's renewable energy capacity. SHGs will receive leased land, contribute 10% of the cost, and secure 90% bank loans, with estimated earnings of Rs 30 lakh per MW annually. The initiative aligns with the Indira Mahila Sakthi scheme, which promotes women's economic participation. The government also entrusted SHGs with various businesses, including stitching school uniforms and running canteens.