Hyderabad: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar launched multiple civic and welfare initiatives at Masab Tank’s Chacha Nehru Park as part of the state government’s 99-day development programme.
The minister inaugurated an e-waste collection centre run by self-help groups under the Chacha Nehru Park development initiative. He also opened Hyderabad’s first mirror library and an Indira Mahila Shakti canteen at the park.
During the event, the minister handed over a cheque for ₹35 crore in zero-interest loans to women self-help groups.
Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Yadav, MLC Balamuri Venkat, GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan and Hyderabad District Collector Dasari Harichandana attended the programme along with other leaders and officials.
Chacha Nehru Park development expands civic and welfare facilities
Addressing women self-help group members, Prabhakar said the state government had launched development programmes across Telangana for 99 days under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
He said the Chacha Nehru Park development works began following the Chief Minister’s directions. The programme will continue in 12,000 villages, wards and municipalities across the state.
The minister said the newly opened e-waste collection centre would encourage proper recycling of old electronic devices. Items such as damaged televisions, refrigerators, computers and laptops should not remain unused in homes, he said.
Instead, residents should bring such items to the collection centre so they can be recycled safely.
Prabhakar also inaugurated a library built on 1,500 square yards of land inside the park. The facility was expected to serve local residents and promote reading among the public.
He said the library included a special centre where citizens could donate books.
Chacha Nehru Park development highlights women welfare initiatives
The minister also opened the Indira Mahila Shakti canteen as part of the Chacha Nehru Park development activities.
He said the number of women participating in self-help groups in urban areas remained low. Therefore, every woman should join such groups to strengthen economic opportunities.
Prabhakar noted that the government had introduced several schemes benefiting women. These included free bus travel, 200 units of free electricity and fine rice through the public distribution system. Ration cards were also being issued in women’s names.
He said buses were operating under the RTC with support from IKP and women’s groups, making women the owners of those vehicles.
The minister urged women to join self-help groups and make use of zero-interest loans provided by the government to expand livelihoods.
He added that special schemes were being implemented through SETWIN to improve self-employment opportunities. As part of these efforts, sewing machines were being distributed to beneficiaries.
Prabhakar told women that they must become financially independent and stand on their own feet.
He also called on women to actively participate in the government’s 99-day development programme.
Women should engage in initiatives related to education, healthcare, environment and safety, he said, adding that they must strive to reach higher positions in society.