90% of welfare schemes in AP aimed at self-reliance and women empowerment: Vishnu

Vijayawada: AP Planning Board vice-chairman and YSR Congress MLA Malladi Vishnu has said women are the main beneficiaries of every welfare scheme undertaken by the YSRC government in the state.

“Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has implemented many revolutionary programmes in the last three and a half years with the aim of financial self-reliance and empowerment of our sisters (women),” he said and claimed that the state government was arduously working for women empowerment.

He said 90 per cent of the benefits of AP’s welfare schemes like the Amma Vodi, YSR Asara, Sunna Vaddi, Cheyutha, EBC Nestam, Kapu Nestam and house titles under the mega housing programme reached the state’s women.

The MLA was speaking at the International Women’s Day celebrations on Wednesday. He cut the cake and felicitated YSRC’s women corporators and leaders. He said, “Due to the vision shown by CM Jagan, the importance of women in the legislative assemblies has increased.”

Vishnu recollected that in the past, a leader like YS Rajasekhar Reddy made a woman the home minister. Now, Jagan Reddy has entrusted important departments in his cabinet, including the home ministry, to women twice. This apart, the Women's Reservation Act has been brought in and 50 per cent reservation provided for women in nominated posts.

“The grant of more than half the posts of city councils, municipalities, panchayats, including mayors, and of agricultural market committees to women is proof of women's empowerment in AP under the YSRC government,” he said.

Vishnu noted that the parliamentary standing committee had also praised the performance of the Disha Police Stations introduced for women's safety in AP. He said, “In the last three and a half years, a sum of ₹280.39 crore has been spent for the welfare of women in the Vijayawada central constituency. This has helped women achieve financial independence.”

Deputy mayor Avuthu Sailaja Reddy said women in AP were able to stand on their own feet because of the welfare programmes being implemented by the Jagan-led YSRC government. YSRC corporator Md Shahina Sultana said women were developing a lot in many fields because of the CM’s welfare schemes and more women were coming into politics with the support of the CM.