Hyderabad, Mar 8 (Reporter) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday announced that the state government will take responsibility for setting up rice mills and godowns under the management of women’s associations in every Mandal . He stated that these facilities will store rice procured by women's associations from IKP centers, process it, and supply it to the state government and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Addressing the Indira Mahila Shakti meeting held at Secunderabad Parade Ground, Secunderabad this evening the Chief Minister criticised certain millers for hoarding grain from IKP centers without returning it or providing proper accounts. In response, the government is empowering women's groups by facilitating land and loans for the construction of rice mills and godowns in every zone. He emphasised that Telangana will achieve a one-trillion-dollar economy only when women’s groups achieve financial independence. The government has also decided to entrust the supply of nutritious food in residential schools and colleges to women's associations. To implement this initiative effectively, the Chief Secretary and the CEO of SERP have been instructed to formulate a policy. The Chief Minister asserted that the previous administration restricted women's associations, preventing them from reaching their full potential. However, with the current government in power, he declared that women’s groups are now witnessing opportunities and financial independence. He emphasised that strengthening women's associations is crucial for the state's economic development. Highlighting the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, he announced key initiatives, including the construction of Indira Mahila Shakti buildings in all district centers, with Rs 25 crore allocated per building. Additionally, the chief minister stated that women-led solar power plants, which were once dominated by corporate giants like Adani and Ambani, are now being managed by women’s groups. The government has facilitated agreements for women's associations to operate 1,000 MW solar plants and sell power to the state’s electricity department. The government has also taken steps to empower women in the public transport sector. CM Revanth Reddy announced that 1000 RTC buses will be leased to women’s groups, with 150 electric buses already handed over. Furthermore, 150 shops near Hitech City, Infosys, and Wipro have been allotted to women's associations, enabling them to compete in the global market. He assured support for women entrepreneurs, including tax exemptions and financial assistance for purchasing raw materials. Acknowledging the contributions of Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in securing women's reservations in governance, the CM assured that capable women leaders from self-help groups (SHGs) would be given opportunities to contest elections. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to women’s welfare, highlighting that zero-interest loans worth Rs 21,000 crore had been provided to women in the first year itself. The government plans to expand women’s associations from 65 lakh to one crore members, lowering the eligibility age from 18 to 15 years and allowing women above 60 years to continue their participation. The ultimate goal is to create one crore women millionaires. The chief minister took aim at the previous BRS government, criticising them for failing to include women in the cabinet for five years. He praised the current ministers Konda Surekha and Seethakka for actively advocating for women’s rights and empowerment. Taking a dig at opposition leaders, the CM accused them of celebrating public hardships, such as infrastructure failures and droughts, instead of contributing to development. He urged them to use their experience in governance to provide solutions, rather than engaging in negative politics. During the event, Reddy handed over a bank linkage cheque of Rs 22,793 crore to women’s self-help groups and an additional Rs 44.80 crore under loan insurance and accident insurance schemes. He also virtually laid the foundation stone for solar plants to be run by women’s SHGs and unveiled the Indira Mahila Shakti Mission-2025 policy. Before the meeting, the Chief Minister inspected stalls set up by women’s groups, inquiring about their products and marketing strategies. He also unveiled songs composed by women entrepreneurs and cultural leaders. The event saw participation from Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, Sridhar Babu, Seethakka, Konda Surekha, Jupally Krishna Rao, Chief Minister’s Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, and other prominent leaders...////...