Economic Independence Key to Equality: Bhatti

Hyderabad: Economic independence is the foundation for achieving gender equality, said Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka at the Gender Equality Conference organised by the Telangana Women’s Commission at Nizam College.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the Telangana government is offering Rs 20,000 crore in interest-free loans every year to women’s self-help groups (SHGs), to empower one crore women financially. In the first year alone, Rs 21,632 crore was distributed to SHGs across the state.

He added that over the next five years, Rs 1 lakh crore will be disbursed to women to promote financial independence and reduce gender discrimination.

Talking about a recent initiative, Bhatti Vikramarka said the government has partnered with women’s groups to produce 2,000 MW of solar power. Under this pact, SHGs will receive loans to set up solar plants, and the government will purchase the electricity generated. Agreements have already been signed between SHGs and power companies, he said.

He also highlighted the government’s decision to allow free RTC bus travel for women, which he said has eased their financial burden and improved access to education, healthcare and other services. In a further step, the government has provided 650 buses to SHGs, which are being leased to the RTC to generate income for the groups.

Bhatti Vikramarka said additional schemes such as Amma canteens, gas agencies, petrol bunks and Indiramma housing are being sanctioned in the names of women to improve their economic standing. He credited Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Constitution for securing women’s rights such as equality, dignity and property ownership and emphasised that safeguarding the Constitution was key to upholding these rights.

A former student of Nizam College himself, Bhatti Vikramarka expressed pride in his alma mater and assured the gathering that he would bring the college’s current issues to the attention of the Chief Minister and work towards resolving them.