Metro India News | Hyderabad 

In a landmark initiative to boost women’s financial empowerment, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, along with other ministers, distributed Rs 41.50 crore in interest-free loans to women’s self-help groups at Jubilee Hills. The ceremony was attended by Women and Child Welfare Minister Seethakka, Transport & BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Labour Minister Gaddam Vivek, and Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi.

Addressing the gathering, Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized that women no longer need to approach moneylenders for small businesses. “Our government is committed to making women financially independent and economically strong. Across Hyderabad, over 50,000 groups with more than five lakh members benefit from these programs, and we aim to expand these numbers significantly,” he said. He added that the initiative builds on the vision of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, showcasing women’s power and potential.

Seethakka highlighted the historical significance of the initiative. “Through these loans, women can grow as entrepreneurs and community leaders. Over the past year alone, bank linkages worth Rs 27,000 crore have been facilitated, allowing women to access interest-free credit with a repayment rate of 98%. This strengthens women economically while supporting families and small businesses,” she said.

The program complements other welfare measures such as free bus travel, subsidized gas cylinders, food distribution, and education support. Bhatti Vikramarka and Seethakka stressed that the ultimate goal is to make one crore women millionaires, demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and women’s empowerment.