Telangana promotes SHG brick units for women empowerment

Hyderabad: The state government expanded support for SHG brick units to strengthen women’s livelihoods and ensure supply for housing programmes across Telangana.

Officials identified 736 SHG brick units across the state after a detailed survey. They assessed production capacity, investment needs, and labour requirements to improve performance.

Currently, SHG brick units produce between 300 and 1,000 bricks per day. However, their full capacity ranges from 2,000 to 2,500 bricks daily. Therefore, officials estimated that each unit requires about ₹18 lakh to reach optimal output.

To address this gap, the government initiated financial support through the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. Under this scheme, units receive loans with a 35% subsidy. In addition, banks and Stree Nidhi are extending credit support to upgrade operations.

Officials also introduced a 15-day training programme to improve technical and operational skills. As a result, several SHG brick units have already reached full capacity with government support.

SHG brick units linked to housing demand in Telangana

The government coordinated with the Housing Department to ensure steady demand. It directed officials to procure bricks for Indiramma housing projects from SHG brick units.

This linkage ensures market stability for units while supporting housing construction. Moreover, it provides sustained income opportunities for rural women.

Minister Dansari Anasuya said SHG brick units create employment and strengthen the rural economy. She added that the government would extend full support to ensure long-term sustainability.

SERP CEO Divya Devarajan said the programme integrates training, credit, subsidies, and market access. She said the aim is to develop SHG brick into sustainable enterprises.

A case from Siddipet district reflects the impact of the initiative. Kunta Malla Vani from Mirzapur village established a unit after training under PMEGP.

She set up the project with an investment of ₹10 lakh, including a bank loan and subsidy support. Her unit now operates at full capacity and generates a monthly income of ₹3.02 lakh.

After expenses, she earns a net profit of about ₹57,000. The unit employs six workers and supports her family members. In addition, she expanded market reach across nearby areas.

Officials said such examples highlight the potential of SHG brick units. They added that the initiative supports both economic empowerment and infrastructure development.