Wed Sep 24 16:54:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Telangana state government is empowering women’s self-help groups (SHGs) by entrusting them with fertilizer distribution from the next crop season, building on their success in operating paddy procurement centers. Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) highlighted the government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment through interest-free loans, vocational training programs, and initiatives like the Mahalaxmi free bus ride scheme. The government also plans to launch 5,000 electric autorickshaws for women in Hyderabad. They have allocated funds to revitalize women’s training centers and support various entrepreneurial ventures for SHGs, including solar power plants and leasing buses.
**News Article:**

**Telangana Empowers Women SHGs with Fertilizer Distribution, Targets Millionaire Status**

**KARIMNAGAR, Sept 24, 2025** – The Telangana government is doubling down on its commitment to women’s economic empowerment by entrusting self-help groups (SHGs) with fertilizer distribution starting next crop season. This initiative builds on the SHGs’ proven success in managing paddy procurement centers across the state.

“The women SHGs have demonstrated their capability by successfully operating around 7,000 paddy procurement centers. We are confident they will excel in fertilizer distribution as well,” stated Minister for Backward Classes Welfare and Transport, Ponnam Prabhakar, during a function at Mahila Pranganam in Karimnagar district.

Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka), emphasized the government’s ambition to empower one crore women to become millionaires. “The State government has so far provided ₹ 27,000 crore in interest-free loans to women SHGs across the State,” she said. “An amount of ₹10 crore has been allocated to strengthen all 10 Mahila Pranganams across the State.”

The government is actively supporting SHGs through various initiatives, including interest-free loans for solar power plants, leasing buses to the TGSRTC, and other self-employment opportunities. Mr. Prabhakar also pledged to cover the driving license fees for 15 women who completed auto driving training. Furthermore, he announced plans to launch 5,000 electric autorickshaws for women in Hyderabad.

Officials highlighted the success of existing schemes like the Mahalaxmi free bus ride, which has saved women passengers an estimated ₹7,500 crore to date.

The event was attended by Telangana State Commission for Women Chairperson Nerella Sharada, Telangana Women Co-operative Development Corporation Chairperson B. Shoba Rani, Manakondur MLA Dr Kavvampally Satyanarayana, and Karimnagar Collector Pamela Satpathy, among others.

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