Telangana SHGs become bus owners under Indira Mahila Shakti scheme

LatestPoliticsTelangana
By HNH Web Desk
SHGs become bus owners

Hyderabad: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Telangana have become bus owners under the state’s Indira Mahila Shakti scheme. The government has allotted one bus to each SHG federation, enabling assured monthly income and long-term financial security for rural women.

Launched under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the scheme aims to strengthen women’s economic independence and is part of the government’s broader vision to create one crore “Women Crorepatis.”

SHG federations receive leased buses with assured rental income

The State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SERP), under the Indira Mahila Shakti scheme, has procured 151 buses in the first phase and leased them to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC). Each Mandal Mahila Samakhya receives a monthly rental of ₹69,648 per bus. Of this, ₹50,000 is used for loan repayment, while the rest supports operational expenses.

Each bus costs ₹36 lakh. The state supports the initiative through liberal loans, providing ₹30 lakh from the Community Investment Fund. SHGs contribute ₹6 lakh from their collective savings.

Women gain ownership and dignity through economic empowerment

Launched on March 8, International Women’s Day, the programme has so far released over ₹5 crore to SHG federations. The second phase will bring the total to 600 buses, expanding reach and impact across rural Telangana.

The scheme complements the ongoing Maha Lakshmi free bus travel initiative for women and girls, and adds an income-generating dimension to the transport network. SHG leaders say the programme has brought pride, stability, and a sense of ownership.

P. Padma, president of Eturunagaram Mandal Samakhya in Mulugu district, said the initiative went beyond free travel. “Seeing our Mandal Samakhya’s name on the bus gives us pride and a real sense of ownership. We thank Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Minister Seethakka for their support,” she said.

 

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