In a move towards bridging the rural-urban skill divide and empowering women, the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), Hyderabad Chapter inaugurated its Rural Skill Centre in Bhongir on Thursday. This Skill Centre aims to transform the lives of rural women by equipping them with employable skills and entrepreneurial capabilities. The Centre was inaugurated by Kumbam Anil Kumar Reddy, Member of Legislative Assembly in the presence of M. Hanumantha Rao, Dist Collector Yadadri Bhuvanagiri and Poonam Sharma, National President of FLO, as Guest of Honour. Ramani, DEO, Papi Reddy, Principal of Junior College and Kirthi, Daughter of MLA also participated in the event.

 Speaking on the occasion, MLA Anil Kumar Reddy said the Telangana Government and the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy are committed to women's empowerment. He said that Chief Minister’s wish for Telangana State to be a trillion-dollar economy cannot be achieved without women's empowerment and participation. District Collector Hanumantha Rao highlighted the importance of Skills..He appreciated FLO for running 4 different courses—Tailoring, Maggam, Beautician, Digital Literacy and Wedding-related courses.

Poonam Sharma, FICCI National President hoped that the women undergoing the skill training would grow from the classroom to the boardroom. “When women are given the right skills and confidence, they not only transform their own lives, but also become agents of change in their families and villages.” she said. Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson, FLO Hyderabad Chapter said that with this launch, FLO Hyderabad becomes one of the first chapters in South India to establish a dedicated rural skill development facility.

The Centre is expected to benefit over 300 women annually, creating pathways to income generation and financial empowerment. It will offer training programs in tailoring, handloom, basic IT skills, and micro-entrepreneurship, in partnership with local experts and industry mentors.