Hyderabad, April 26 (RAHNUMA): Minister for Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Women and Child Welfare, Dr. Dansari Anasuya Seethakka, announced that the government is taking steps to ensure that no woman member of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) remains illiterate.
Along with promoting basic literacy, the government will identify their educational qualifications and provide opportunities for higher education, she said. The Minister directed officials to prepare education profiles of all women members.
A review meeting was held at the SERP office in BRK Bhavan on Sunday, where the Minister, along with SERP CEO Divya Devarajan, interacted with SERP directors and district Mahila Samakhya presidents.
The meeting reviewed progress on construction of women’s federation buildings, new member enrollments, the “Ammaku Aksharamala” program, and implementation of SERP schemes.
Discussions included details of district-level federation meetings conducted last month, implementation of SERP initiatives under the Praja Palana Pragati Plan, and progress of village-level women SHG building construction. Nirmal district achieved 100% loan repayment, and District Federation President Gangavva was felicitated by the Minister, who urged all districts to follow her example.
The Minister stated that construction of village SHG buildings is progressing like a mission. Across the state, approvals have been granted for 8,227 buildings, with land identified and construction started for 5,239 buildings. Some buildings have already been completed and inaugurated, she said.
District federation leaders were advised to visit villages and share success stories to inspire women members. Currently, over 5,000 VO buildings are under construction, and another 5,000 will be taken up next year. Priority will be given to villages with 100% loan repayment, along with appropriate incentives, Seethakka said.
Calling for the success of the “Ammaku Aksharamala” initiative, the Minister said the programme is providing literacy to women who previously lacked access to education. So far, over 6 lakh women have been made literate, and another 6 lakh will soon receive education at the village level, she said.
The Minister emphasised the role of SHGs in preventing social issues like child marriages and encouraged women to build strong influence in their communities. With women’s reservations expected soon, she urged women to step forward as political leaders.
