Telangana’s Minister for Backward Classes Welfare and Transport, Ponnam Prabhakar, has announced a significant initiative: women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will be responsible for distributing fertilizers across the state starting from the upcoming crop season.
Speaking at a function held at Mahila Pranganam in LMD colony, Thimmapur mandal, Karimnagar district, Minister Prabhakar highlighted the SHGs’ proven track record. He noted their successful management of paddy procurement centers throughout the state, indicating their capability for this new role.
During the event, Minister Prabhakar, alongside Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Danasari Anasuya (popularly known as Seethakka), presented certificates to women who completed vocational training programs at Mahila Pranganam. These programs included tailoring, beautician skills, jute bag making, and auto driving, aimed at fostering self-reliance.
He expressed confidence that just as SHGs demonstrated their competence by efficiently running approximately 7,000 paddy procurement centers, they would undoubtedly excel in fertilizer distribution as well.
In a gesture of support, Minister Prabhakar pledged to cover the driving license fees for 15 women who successfully completed the auto driving training at Mahila Pranganam.
He also highlighted the success of the Mahalaxmi scheme, which has enabled women passengers to take 225 crore free bus rides, resulting in an estimated savings of ₹7,500 crore. Looking ahead, he announced plans to introduce 5,000 electric autorickshaws for women in Hyderabad in the near future, further expanding their transport and livelihood opportunities.
Minister Anasuya elaborated on the state government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment, stating that ₹27,000 crore in interest-free loans has been extended to SHGs statewide. This initiative aims to help one crore women achieve millionaire status. She further revealed that ₹10 crore has been allocated to revitalize all ten Mahila Pranganams across Telangana, which were previously overlooked. These centers are now thriving hubs, actively conducting various training programs for women.
She also shared an inspiring success story: women SHGs in Narayanpet generated an impressive income of ₹13 lakh within just six months by managing a petrol bunk. This exemplifies the potential of SHGs, which are now receiving interest-free loans to pursue diverse entrepreneurial ventures, including operating solar power plants and leasing buses to the TGSRTC, fostering their growth and independence.
The event was graced by other distinguished guests, including Nerella Sharada, Chairperson of the Telangana State Commission for Women (TGSCW); B. Shoba Rani, Chairperson of the Telangana Women Co-operative Development Corporation (TGWCDC); Manakondur MLA Dr. Kavvampally Satyanarayana; and Karimnagar Collector Pamela Satpathy, among others.