PNS | Vijayawada
In a significant move towards bolstering women’s financial independence and social uplift, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy disbursed a substantial sum of Rs 1353.76 crore as interest reimbursement under the pioneering YSR Sunna Vaddi (zero interest) Scheme. This is set to benefit 1,05,13,365 women members from a staggering 9.48 lakh self-help groups dispersed throughout the State. The allocated funds are poised to be seamlessly deposited directly into the recipients’ bank accounts.
Addressing a mammoth gathering on a momentous Friday, CM Jagan Mohan Reddy emphasised that his administration, attuned to women’s concerns, has been unswervingly committed to fostering their socioeconomic progress. Over the past four years, a series of welfare programs have been rolled out, embodying the government’s dedication to this pivotal cause.
“In the pursuit of women’s happiness, we enhance the well-being of families. The ‘YSR Sunna Vaddi’ scheme is a testament to our unique commitment; no other State administration has ventured to implement such an impactful program,” asserted the Chief Minister.
The government has already disbursed an impressive total of Rs 4,969.05 crore, rendering invaluable assistance to a commendable 16,44,029 economically disadvantaged women. These women have been resolute in repaying loans they secured for establishing and ameliorating their enterprises, which span a diverse range from convenience stores to tiffin centers, cloth boutiques, and dairy farms.
This endeavour has yielded remarkable results, with the non-performing assets of the self-help groups witnessing a dramatic reduction from 18.36% to a mere 0.33%. This commendable turnaround can be largely attributed to the revival of the zero-interest scheme, a feat achieved by the present administration after the program’s dissolution in 2016 during the previous government’s tenure.
The support extended to women has elicited exponential growth in the number of self-help groups, soaring from 8.71 lakh in 2019 to a staggering 11.16 lakh at present. In tandem with this achievement, the recovery rate of loans has achieved an unprecedented high, scaling an impressive 99.67%. This remarkable feat has rendered Andhra Pradesh’s self-help groups an inspiring model for other states to emulate.
Furthermore, CM Jagan Mohan Reddy has honored his commitment made during his Padayatra, with the government disbursing a total of Rs 19,178 crore across three installments under the YSR Aasara programme. This initiative has fulfilled its promise of repaying pending bank loans and accumulated interest to the tune of Rs 25,571 crore, a resounding response to the previous government’s shortcomings.
Ever steadfast in its dedication to empowering women, the government has championed its cause by reserving 50% of nominated posts and contracts through a specially legislated law. This resounding commitment is a testament to the administration’s unwavering focus on women’s political, social, and economic advancement.
A staggering Rs 2,31,123 crore has been directly transferred to women’s bank accounts over the past four years, a remarkable testament to the transformative power of these initiatives.
Detailing the extensive financial outlay under various schemes, CM Jagan Mohan Reddy revealed that the government has expended Rs 26,067 crore for the Amma Vodi initiative, directly benefiting an impressive 44,48,000 women. Additionally, Rs 14,129 crore has been devoted to the ‘YSR Cheyutha’ programme, which has positively impacted 26,39,000 women. The ‘Kapu Nestham’ scheme, aimed at the welfare of the Kapu community, has allocated Rs 1,518 crore, benefiting 3,56,000 women.
