The initiative will provide interest-free loans to women, and ₹40 crore in accident insurance will be allocated to the families of women who lose their lives in accidents within a year. Additionally, 14,000 Anganwadi teachers and helpers will be recruited, creating vital employment opportunities for women.
Published Mar 08, 2025 | 2:14 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 08, 2025 | 2:14 PM
Telangana’s first women-run petrol pump in Narayanpet. (X)
Synopsis: The Congress party in Telangana is committed to women’s empowerment, launching initiatives like the Indira Mahila Shakti Scheme, and offering interest-free loans and accident insurance. Under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the government introduced free bus travel for women, welfare schemes, and employment opportunities. With a focus on financial independence, cultural preservation, and women’s representation, the government aims to empower women and ensure their progress.
The Congress party firmly believes that a society that respects women will always thrive. Staying true to this principle, the party is leading Telangana with a strong commitment to women’s empowerment.
Carrying forward the legacy of Indira Gandhi— recognized as one of the world’s most powerful women— the Congress government is implementing transformative policies to foster the all-round development of women in Telangana.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the government is making historic decisions to enhance women’s welfare through the Indira Mahila Shakti Scheme, reinforcing its dedication to economic and social empowerment.
The Congress government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, is launching the “Indira Mahila Shakti-2025” scheme in a grand event at the Parade Ground in Hyderabad, on Saturday, 8 March.
The initiative will provide interest-free loans to women, and ₹40 crore in accident insurance will be allocated to the families of women who lose their lives in accidents within a year. Additionally, 14,000 Anganwadi teachers and helpers will be recruited, creating vital employment opportunities for women.
Recognizing that financial independence is key to women’s dignity and societal standing, the Congress government announced the Mahalakshmi scheme before the elections, which offers crucial financial assistance to underprivileged women.
Prioritizing women’s welfare, the government has allocated ₹1,892 crore in the budget for women and child development. Telangana had a surplus of ₹16,000 crore in 2014 but accumulated ₹7 lakh crore in debt before Congress assumed power.
Despite inheriting a debt-ridden economy, the government has stayed committed to fulfilling its promises. Amid the financial constraints, it continues to implement pro-poor schemes, winning public trust and ensuring successful governance.
Delivering on its commitments, the Congress government introduced free travel for women in state-run RTC buses within 48 hours of taking office, on 9 December 2023, commemorating Sonia Gandhi’s birthday.
Today, nearly 30 lakh women benefit from free travel daily, collectively saving ₹1,500 crore annually. The government compensates RTC with ₹455 crore per month for this initiative, which has improved RTC’s financial viability.
To further empower women economically, the government, under the Indira Mahila Shakti Scheme, has facilitated the purchase of 600 buses, one for each Mandal, by the women’s association through bank loans. These buses are leased to the RTC, ensuring that women not only enjoy free travel but also become stakeholders in public transport. Each association receives a monthly rental payment of ₹77,000, fostering financial self-reliance.
Understanding the economic challenges women face while managing their families, the Congress government has swiftly implemented several welfare measures, including free bus travel, subsidized gas cylinders, free electricity, and enhanced health insurance.
Nearly 40 lakh families benefit from a ₹500 subsidy on gas cylinders, while 50 lakh families receive free electricity up to 200 units under the Gruha Jyoti scheme.
To provide health security, the government has doubled the insurance coverage under Arogya Sri from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Additionally, the government is constructing 4.5 lakh Indiramma Houses in the state, each registered in the name of a woman, and is issuing over 40 lakh new ration cards to further strengthen women’s economic security.
The Congress government is also committed to making one crore women millionaires in Telangana through the “Swashakti Mahila Sanghs” (Self-Help Groups).
Currently, 63.86 lakh women are members of these groups, reflecting their trust in the government’s vision. The administration aims to extend this membership to every woman in the state, allocating ₹1 lakh crore over five years to these groups, with an annual fund of ₹5,000 crore for 5,000 village-level collectives. Each woman joining a self-help group will receive financial assistance of ₹15.50 lakh, along with insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh.
The government has also sanctioned ₹110 crore for constructing Indira Mahila Shakti buildings in every district, with 22 buildings planned for ₹5 crore each.
In an effort to promote employment opportunities, the state is prioritizing women in the apparel sector, within the 60-acre Apparel Park in Sircilla. It has also established Telangana’s first women-run petrol pump in Narayanpet, with plans to expand this model across all districts.
Additionally, women entrepreneurs are being encouraged through initiatives such as Indira Shakti canteens in government offices and the allocation of 100 commercial spaces in Hyderabad’s Shilparamam for women traders under SHG initiatives.
To preserve cultural heritage while advancing women’s empowerment, the Congress government has officially unveiled a universally accepted Telangana Thalli statue, ensuring it symbolizes the collective spirit of the people rather than a single political ideology.
Unlike the previous administration, which confined the Bathukamma festival to select groups, the Congress government has made it an inclusive celebration for all women. In a mark of respect, the government has decided to distribute two high-quality sarees per year to women, replacing the previous practice of distributing inferior-quality sarees.
Furthermore, the historic Koti Women’s College has been renamed after the legendary freedom fighter Chakali Ailamma, and the birth anniversary of social reformer Savitribai Phule has been declared Women Teachers’ Day.
Correcting past disparities, the Congress government has appointed two women ministers in its cabinet, ensuring female representation at the highest level of governance.
Sonia Gandhi, who remained steadfast in her promise to the people of Telangana despite political challenges, holds a special place in the hearts of the state’s people.
Inspired by her unwavering commitment, the Congress government continues to implement impactful policies that elevate the status of women. As the government steadfastly works towards comprehensive women’s empowerment, it calls upon the women of Telangana to support its initiatives, ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for all.
(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha)
