Metro India News | hyderabad

Indira Mahila Shakti Canteens have emerged as a strong symbol of women’s empowerment and public welfare in Telangana, Dhanasari Anasuya (Seethakka) Women and Child Welfare Minister said, underlining that these initiatives go far beyond being affordable food centres. By providing sustainable livelihoods, the canteens are transforming the lives of thousands of women across the state. At present, 250 Indira Mahila Shakti Canteens are functioning successfully at secretariats, collectorates, government hospitals, tourist destinations and other busy public locations. In view of the massive influx of devotees from various states during the Medaram Jatara, the government is also setting up Indira Mahila Shakti Canteens at multiple points along the Jatara routes to ensure hygienic and affordable food for pilgrims, she added.

Replying to questions raised by members in the Legislative Assembly, the Minister said the government has placed women’s empowerment and welfare at the core of its governance. She recalled that within 48 hours of assuming office, the people’s government launched free bus travel for women, reflecting its firm commitment to gender equity.

Through the Indira Mahila Shakti programme, the government is striving to ensure economic self-reliance for women, with the objective of enrolling every woman as a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG). Women above 15 years of age, including adolescent girls, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, are being brought into SHGs, with special groups formed to cater to their specific needs.

To maintain high standards, women managing the canteens are being provided free professional training in cooking and canteen management at the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM), Hyderabad. The government is bearing the training cost and also extending loans, free space in government premises and essential infrastructure to enable women to run these canteens without financial stress.