MEPMA Comes Up With Action Plan to Empower Women Financially
MEPMA, the state, targets Rs 8,000 crore in SHG bank linkages, advanced training, and digital marketing support to boost women-led businesses across urban areas.
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government-run society, Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA), has devised an action plan for 2025–26 to empower women financially.
A workshop was held in the presence of the municipal administration and urban development minister P. Narayana in Vijayawada on Saturday to draft the plan for supporting women in developing their businesses.
As per the plan, 30,000 women across all urban areas of the state will be groomed as industrialists. Among them, 10,000 women who are already engaged in business will receive advanced training to become successful entrepreneurs, while 20,000 new women entrepreneurs will be developed.
It is targeted to facilitate bank linkages worth Rs 8,000 crore to at least 80,000 self-help groups (SHGs), benefitting poor families in urban areas.
Under the Self-Employment Scheme, Rs 5 crore will be distributed to 100 individuals through SHG groups, and another Rs 80 crore will be extended to 8,000 individuals as direct financial support.
Under centrally sponsored schemes, one lakh individuals are expected to benefit. Additionally, under PM SVANIDHI, loans will be disbursed to one lakh individuals, and 20,000 SHG-made products will be marketed through e-commerce platforms, targeting a turnover of Rs 10 crore.
Earlier, minister P. Narayana handed over mega cheques worth Rs 143.55 crore to SC beneficiaries, along with Rs 2.21 crore under PM SVANIDHI. He also presented certificates of appreciation and excellence to outstanding SC entrepreneurs.