Hyderabad, Mar 8 (Reporter) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday said that the state’s economic progress depends on strengthening women’s self-help groups (SHGs). Speaking at the Indira Mahila Shakti programme organised by the Women and Child Welfare Department at Parade Ground here on the occasion of International Women’s Day, he reiterated the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship development. The Chief Minister praised the resilience and determination of women in Telangana, stating that they continue to draw inspiration from historical icons like Rani Rudrama Devi and Chakali Ailamma. He highlighted that empowering one crore women as entrepreneurs could help Telangana achieve a one-trillion-dollar economy. Reddy also stressed the importance of self-reliance among women and encouraged them to take leadership roles in various sectors. To achieve these goals, the government has entrusted the management of government schools to women’s groups to enhance their standards. Additionally, 1.3 crore school uniforms are being stitched by women’s groups, providing employment and income opportunities. The state has also allocated Rs 25 crore for the construction of Indira Mahila Shakti buildings. Furthermore, women-led solar power generation plants are being established, enabling women to become entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector, the CM said. Reddy announced that the government is helping women to become RTC bus owners, with 1,000 electric buses set to be handed over to them in the coming days. He emphasised that women should compete with major corporate players like Adani and Ambani, underscoring the need for business opportunities that allow them to enter traditionally male-dominated industries. The government is also taking steps to help women establish rice mills and godowns in every mandal by providing land and loans to promote self-sufficiency. The Chief Minister assured that full government support would be extended to women entrepreneurs under the Indira Mahila Shakti initiative. During the event, Reddy presented a Rs 22,794.22 crore cheque to 2,82,552 women self-help groups in Telangana under the Indira Mahila Shakti programme. Additionally, Rs 44.80 crore was provided through loan insurance and accident insurance schemes to support SHG members. He also virtually laid the foundation stone for solar power plants under SHG leadership and unveiled the Indira Mahila Shakti Mission-2025 policy, outlining a comprehensive plan for women’s economic empowerment in Telangana. Encouraging women to enter politics and leadership roles, the Chief Minister emphasised that they should follow in the footsteps of Indira Gandhi and NTR’s strategic vision. He also criticised opposition leaders for politicising crisis such as droughts and infrastructure failures, urging them to prioritise constructive governance over negativity. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers, Government Advisors, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, Corporation Chairpersons, and senior officials. Thousands of women SHG members from across Telangana participated in the programme...////...