Hyderabad: The Telangana government launched a new initiative to set up rice mills run by Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), beginning with a pilot project in Nalgonda district.
Roads & Buildings and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said the programme aims to strengthen women’s economic independence. He added that the government is working toward its broader goal of helping one crore women become financially self-reliant.
SHG-run rice mills to start in Nalgonda
Speaking at the Indira Mahila Shakti saree distribution programme at Udayaditya Bhavan on Saturday, the Minister instructed District Collector Illa Tripathi to identify suitable land for the mills. He said the government will extend loans to SHGs, while the R&B department will construct the facilities. Women will run the mills independently and repay the loans through profits.
He also pointed out that the initiative will address the shortage of rice mills in the district. Moreover, he said the proposal will be placed before the Chief Minister and discussed in the next Cabinet meeting for possible expansion across the State.
Multiple schemes boosting women’s welfare
The Minister highlighted several measures that the government introduced to support women’s livelihoods. These include free bus travel, women-operated buses and petrol pumps, management of Indira Mahila Shakti canteens, and school uniform stitching assignments for SHGs.
“These schemes ensure women stand firmly on their own feet while generating sustainable income,” he said.
He further stated that one crore Indira Mahila Shakti sarees are being distributed across Telangana. Out of these, the government has already delivered 65 lakh sarees, while the remaining sarees will be distributed in urban areas once they arrive.
Development updates from Nalgonda
Komatireddy also shared updates on ongoing development works. He said the government is constructing integrated residential schools worth ₹150 crore in every constituency. Additionally, he mentioned upgrades to the Nalgonda Government General Hospital and the local medical college. The government has also increased Aarogyasri health coverage from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Furthermore, ₹400 crore worth of double-lane road works are underway in the district. He added that he personally funded repairs to the AMRP canals.
District Collector Illa Tripathi said Nalgonda is distributing 4.24 lakh sarees made from Sircilla silk and cotton. She urged SHGs to discuss social issues in their regular meetings and assured government support for welfare-driven innovations.
Earlier, DRDA officials presented updates on SHG initiatives. Later, the Minister distributed Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak cheques worth ₹2.20 crore to local beneficiaries.
నల్గొండ జిల్లా కలెక్టరేట్లోని ఉదయాదిత్య భవన్లో నిర్వహించిన ఇందిరా మహిళా శక్తి చీరల పంపిణీ కార్యక్రమంలో పాల్గొని మహిళామణులకు చీరలను అందజేయడం జరిగింది.
తెలంగాణ రాష్ట్రంలో మొత్తం 1 కోటి 15 లక్షల కుటుంబాలు ఉన్నాయి.
అందులో కోటి మంది మహిళలకు ఆత్మగౌరవంతో ఉండేలా నాణ్యమైన చీరలను… pic.twitter.com/4A2SP3kF1W— Komatireddy Venkat Reddy (@KomatireddyKVR) November 22, 2025