Ponnam sets December 9 deadline for sewing machine distribution to BC women

Hyderabad: Telangana Transport and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday directed officials to complete preparations for sewing machine distribution to eligible BC women on December 9.

He instructed the BC Welfare Department to prepare a detailed action plan and accelerate the tendering process. Moreover, he directed officials to complete all administrative procedures to ensure the scheme’s timely implementation.

The minister issued these instructions during a comprehensive review meeting at the Secretariat. The meeting examined the functioning of the BC Welfare Department and the progress of various welfare programmes.

Sewing machine distribution draws 4.80 lakh applications

During the review, Ponnam Prabhakar examined the implementation of the Indiramma Sewing Machines for Every Household scheme. The initiative aims to promote self-employment opportunities among women belonging to Backward Classes.

Officials reported that the scheme had attracted approximately 4.80 lakh applications. The minister noted the strong response to the initiative and reviewed preparations for distributing sewing machines to selected beneficiaries.

Under the proposed first phase, the government planned to provide sewing machines to 1.90 lakh women. The distribution plan covered 1,000 selected beneficiaries from each Assembly constituency across Telangana.

Meanwhile, Ponnam Prabhakar stressed the need to expedite the required procedures before the scheduled distribution date. He directed officials to ensure that pending administrative formalities did not delay implementation.

BC Welfare Department reviews other development programmes

Apart from sewing machine distribution, the meeting covered several programmes aimed at improving educational infrastructure and employment opportunities for BC communities. The minister reviewed infrastructure facilities in residential schools and discussed the construction of Self-Respect buildings, also known as Atma Gaurava buildings.

Additionally, the meeting examined skill development training programmes for unemployed youth and initiatives designed to encourage self-employment among BC communities. The review covered the department’s ongoing welfare activities alongside preparations for the December 9 sewing machine distribution programme.