HYDERABAD: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu has credited Dr B.R. Ambedkar and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for laying the foundations of women’s rights and political participation in India. Addressing the Women’s Summit held on Tuesday at Taj Deccan, Hyderabad, he said the state government’s core mission is women’s empowerment.
Bhatti Vikramarka highlighted that legal reforms such as prohibition of child marriages, dowry ban, voting rights for women, divorce rights, and property inheritance were all made possible through Ambedkar’s landmark Hindu Code Bill. He added that Rajiv Gandhi ensured 33% reservation for women in local bodies, which enabled their active participation in governance and administration.
One Crore Women to Become Millionaires
Reiterating the Congress-led government’s commitment, the Deputy CM announced the goal of transforming one crore women into millionaires over the next five years. In the first year alone, interest-free loans worth ₹21,000 crore were disbursed to Self-Help Group (SHG) women, surpassing the initial target. In the next four years, ₹20,000 crore per year will be distributed similarly, he said.
Women in Green Power Sector
Under Telangana’s Green Power Policy, women are being brought into solar energy production. A pilot project has been launched in partnership with the Electricity Department and other state agencies, through which SHG women will generate 1,000 MW of solar power. If successful, the initiative will be expanded.
Bhatti Vikramarka explained that the government will lease land, assist in setting up solar plants via bank linkages, and enter into power purchase agreements with the SHG groups, ensuring direct economic benefits to women.
Free RTC Travel and Economic Opportunities
Highlighting the success of the free bus travel scheme, the Deputy CM said it has enabled women to travel freely across the state, visit markets, temples, and care for their children in hostels. The government is also facilitating purchase of buses by SHG women through loans and leasing them to TSRTC, providing another stream of income.
Further, Indira Shakti Canteens are being established across state-run institutions, run entirely by SHG members, aiming to strengthen their financial independence.
Despite progress, he acknowledged that child marriage and dowry harassment persist even in modern times. He urged society to reflect on these issues and stressed that programmes like the Women’s Summit play a crucial role in guiding public opinion and helping governments enact meaningful reforms.
