Revanth promises assistance to SHGs for setting up rice mills and godowns

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy addressing a massive gathering of SHG members at Parade Grounds during the unveiling of the Indira Mahila Shakti policy -2025 marking International Women’s Day celebration in Hyderabad on Saturday, March 08, 2025.
| Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced plans to support self-help groups (SHGs) in setting up rice mills and storage godowns in every mandal across the State.

Speaking at a massive gathering of nearly one lakh SHG members at Parade Grounds on Saturday to unveil the ‘Indira Mahila Shakti policy –2025’, the Chief Minister pledged land allocation and financial assistance to facilitate these initiatives. To further bolster the financial viability of SHGs, Mr. Reddy assured tax exemptions on their products and access to loans for procuring raw materials. He emphasised that SHGs had been sidelined over the past decade under the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government but would now thrive under the Congress-led regime.

“You were overshadowed for ten years, but now, under Indiramma Rajyam, you will see prosperity,” he said, expressing confidence that one crore women would become ‘crorepatis’ and contribute to Telangana’s ambitious goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy within the next decade.

Outlining additional initiatives, the Chief Minister announced government support for setting up 1,000 MW solar units by women-led SHGs. He also revealed plans to procure 1,000 buses to be leased to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGRTC), generating revenues for SHG members. To increase the number of the SHG members to one crore, the minimum age requirement has been lowered from 18 to 15, while the upper limit has been increased from 60 to 65 years.

Addressing criticism from the Opposition regarding the SLBC tunnel collapse, Mr. Reddy accused the BRS of deriving ‘vicarious pleasure’ from unfortunate incidents. He asserted that those who take pleasure in the suffering of others will ultimately face consequences. Expressing optimism, he said SHGs from Telangana would soon compete with corporate enterprises, driving economic growth in the State.