Telangana Announces Rs 10 Lakh Accidental Insurance Cover for 64.35 Lakh SHG Members
The Telangana government has announced a new group accidental insurance scheme for the 64.35 lakh members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the state. The scheme will provide a coverage of Rs 10 lakh to each SHG member in case of accidental death. This applies to SHG members in both urban and rural areas.
The Panchayat Raj and Rural Development department has released Rs 96.35 crore to the Stree Nidhi Cooperative Federation Limited for implementing the scheme. An additional Rs 50.41 crore will be released in four installments to create a risk fund for women members of SHGs for the first year.
The scheme will cover the loans obtained by SHGs from banks under the SHG linkage program, with a maximum of Rs 2 lakh loan outstanding per member. The Stree Nidhi Cooperative Federation will be responsible for issuing operational guidelines for the scheme.
Revanth Reddy Sworn In as Telangana’s Second Chief Minister, Marking a New Era for the State
Hyderabad, December 5, 2023: In a historic ceremony held today, Anumula Revanth Reddy was sworn in as the second Chief Minister of Telangana, ushering in a new chapter for the young state. His ascension to power marks a significant shift in the political landscape, with the Congress party returning to the helm after a gap of nine years.
Reddy, a firebrand leader known for his sharp wit and political acumen, takes over the reins from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi’s K Chandrashekar Rao, who dominated the state’s politics for the past eight years. The Congress’s emphatic victory in the recent assembly elections, coupled with Reddy’s personal triumph in defeating Rao from his own bastion of Kamareddy, has propelled him to the forefront of Telangana’s political scene.
Revanth Reddy is the 2nd Chief Minister of Telangana State.
Thousands of jubilant Congress supporters thronged the swearing-in ceremony, their cheers echoing through the halls as Reddy took oath in Telugu, vowing to serve the people with dedication and justice. In his inaugural address, he outlined his vision for a prosperous and inclusive Telangana, focusing on key areas such as:
Boosting economic growth and creating jobs: Reddy emphasized attracting investments and fostering entrepreneurship to generate employment opportunities for the youth.
Strengthening agriculture and rural development: He pledged to prioritize irrigation projects, provide remunerative prices for farmers, and improve rural infrastructure.
Enhancing education and healthcare: Upgrading educational institutions, ensuring quality healthcare access for all, and promoting skill development were central to his promises.
Eradicating corruption and ensuring transparency: Reddy vowed to implement stringent measures to combat graft and establish a clean and accountable administration.
Empowering women and marginalized communities: He highlighted his commitment to promoting gender equality, protecting tribal rights, and addressing the concerns of minorities.
Reddy’s ascension has sparked a wave of hope and optimism across Telangana. His youthful energy, coupled with his experience and comprehensive vision, has resonated with the people, who are eager to see a fresh approach to governance. However, he faces several challenges, from inheriting a state with a burgeoning debt burden to tackling unemployment and social disparities.
Only time will tell how Reddy navigates these challenges and fulfills his promises. Nevertheless, his inauguration as the second Chief Minister of Telangana marks a significant turning point, and his leadership will undoubtedly shape the state’s future trajectory.
BRS Working President Urges Women to Brainstorm on Services Required
Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Sunday assured to come up with a women-exclusive manifesto, besides working out plans to extend loans to women entrepreneurs in manufacturing and service sectors in urban areas at much lower interest rates.
Increase in institutional deliveries from 31% to 61%
Substantial decrease in infant and maternal mortality rates
Streenidhi, a Non-Banking Financial Corporation created in association with women’s Self-Help Groups
Kalyana Lakshmi and Women’s University delivered despite not being promised in the manifesto
Amma vodi program to pick up and drop pregnant women for checkups
Collaboration with a private company to produce vaccines for women with negative blood groups
Mental fortitude and mental strength are qualities admired in women
Recognition of women sports superstars like Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Jwala Gutta, Nikhat Zareen, and Isha Singh
BRS Working President’s Interaction with Women
Rama Rao, while interacting with women at a program in Hyderabad on Sunday, urged them to brainstorm on the services required in the women’s manifesto. He suggested considering services like exclusive open gyms, more women’s universities, and free shuttle services from Metro stations for the convenience of passengers, especially at night.
Government’s Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment
The State government has established WE-Hub and four exclusive women’s industrial parks, including Sultanpur, Nandigama, and Koheda. Additionally, 10% of plots in industrial parks have been earmarked for women in Telangana.
On the safety and security front, the government is drafting cybercrime legislation to address cyberbullying and online harassment of women. Telangana is set to become the first State to enact such legislation.
Efforts to Address Social Issues
The government has provided safe drinking water to 10 million homes and established 200 minority schools to address social issues affecting women. Nearly 1.15 lakh students, including 50,000 young women, are pursuing education in these schools.
Healthcare Initiatives for Women
Institutional deliveries have increased from 31% to 61% due to the government’s focus on healthcare for women. Infant and maternal mortality rates have also seen a significant decline.
Financial Empowerment of Women
The Streenidhi scheme, a Non-Banking Financial Corporation created in association with women’s Self-Help Groups, has provided financial assistance to women in rural areas. The repayment rate for loans under this scheme is 99.99%.
Women’s Welfare Programmes
The government has implemented several women’s welfare programs, including Kalyana Lakshmi and the establishment of a women’s university. The Amma vodi program provides transportation for pregnant women to attend checkups.
Collaboration with Private Sector
The government is collaborating with a private company to produce vaccines for women with negative blood groups, who have a 14% higher risk of blood loss and mortality during pregnancy. Telangana will be the first State to implement this initiative.
Admiration for Women’s Qualities
Rama Rao expressed his admiration for women’s mental fortitude and mental strength, qualities he believes men often lack. He also acknowledged the achievements of women sports superstars from Telangana, including Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Jwala Gutta, Nikhat Zareen, and Isha Singh.
