Seethakka Orders Education Profiles For SHG Members

Telangana Panchayati Raj, Rural Development and Women & Child Welfare Minister Dr Dansari Anasuya Seethakka today announced that the government was taking steps to ensure that no member of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) remained illiterate.

Along with promoting basic literacy, the government would identify their educational qualifications and provide opportunities for higher education, she said, and directed officials to prepare educational profiles of all women members.

A review meeting was held at the SERP office in BRK Bhavan, where the minister, along with SERP CEO Divya Devarajan, interacted with SERP directors and district Mahila Samakhya presidents.

The meeting reviewed progress on the construction of women's federation buildings, new member enrolments, the Ammaku Aksharamala program and the implementation of SERP schemes.

Discussions included details of district-level federation meetings conducted last month, implementation of SERP initiatives under the Praja Palana Pragati Plan, and progress in village-level SHG building construction.

The minister said that the construction of village SHG buildings was progressing in mission mode. Approvals had been granted for 8,227 buildings across the State, land had been identified and construction started for 5,239 buildings, and some buildings had already been completed and inaugurated, she claimed.

"Currently, over 5,000 VO buildings are also under construction, and another 5,000 will be taken up next year. Priority will be given to villages with 100% loan repayment, along with appropriate incentives," Seethakka said.

The minister advised district federation leaders to visit villages and share success stories to inspire women members.

Calling for the success of the Ammaku Aksharamala initiative, the minister said that the program was providing literacy to women who previously lacked access to education. So far, over 6 lakh women had been made literate, and another 6 lakh would soon receive education at the village level, she said.

Seethakka emphasised the role of the SHGs in preventing social issues, and encouraged women to build strong influence in their communities. With women's reservations in legislative bodies expected soon, she urged women to also step forward as political leaders.

Nirmal district reportedly achieved 100% loan repayment, and the District Federation President Gangavva was felicitated by the minister, who urged all districts to follow her example.