Hyderabad, Nov.18 (RAHNUMA): In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Telangana Government has allotted one bus to each women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) federation, ensuring assured monthly income and greater economic independence for rural women. Under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the Indira Mahila Shakti scheme marks a major milestone in the state’s mission to create one crore ‘Women Crorepatis’.
Under Maha Lakshmi scheme, free bus travel facility was extended to all women and girls, marking the first major step towards women’s empowerment in the state. To strengthen women’s participation in the economic landscape of Telangana, several initiatives have been launched subsequently.
The Indira Mahila Shakti Scheme is designed to boost self-confidence among women and help them attain financial stability. With the ambitious goal of making one crore women financially strong, the government is extending liberal loans to women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). To implement this innovative initiative of alloting one bus to each SHG, an agreement was signed between TGSRTC and SERP.
As part of Indira Mahila Shakti Scheme, the SERP has procured 151 buses in Phase 1 and leased them to TGSRTC. Each Mandal Mahila Samakhya receives Rs.69,648 per month as rental, of which Rs.50,000 goes towards loan repayment and the rest covers operational costs. With each bus costing Rs.36 lakh, the government has facilitated liberal loans, covering Rs.30 lakh through the Community Investment Fund, while SHGs contribute Rs.6 lakh from their own savings.
Launched on March 8, International Women’s Day, the programme has already resulted in over Rs.5 crore being released to SHG federations. A total of 600 buses will be deployed across two phases.
With women now emerging as bus owners, the initiative not only boosts rural connectivity but also provides a stable, long-term income stream for SHGs. Leaders of various Mandal Samakhyas have expressed pride and gratitude, saying the scheme has transformed their financial stability, strengthened their federations, and instilled a sense of ownership and dignity.
The programme builds on the Maha Lakshmi free bus travel initiative and reinforces Telangana’s broader vision of women’s empowerment, economic security and inclusive development.
P Padma, president of Eturunagaram mandal samakhya, Mulug district, said, “Beyond free travel for women, being made owners of these buses is a matter of immense pride. Seeing the name of our Indira Mahila Shakti Mandal Samakhya on the bus gives us a sense of ownership and honour. We sincerely thank the Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Minister Seethakka on behalf of all women in our Mandal Samakhya.”
