Target is to transform 1.75L women into entrepreneurs by next year

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stressed the importance of women empowerment for sustainable development in a speech on Wednesday, asserting that progress is only possible through the active involvement of women. During his address in the Assembly, the CM highlighted the TDP’s long-standing commitment to the empowerment of women, which he stated began with the formation of the party.
Recollecting the contributions of late TDP founder NT Rama Rao, Chandrababu pointed out that NTR’s policies, such as granting women equal rights to property and founding the Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA), paved the way for women’s economic growth. He reiterated the party’s dedication to further advancing women’s rights and status in society.
With women constituting 50 per cent of the State’s population, Chandrababu announced a target to transform 1.75 lakh women into entrepreneurs within the next year. However, he expressed regret that gender discrimination persists despite the country’s long history of independence. He credited the TDP-led NDA government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for its continued focus on women’s welfare.
The CM also referenced a significant shift in women’s rights during the tenure of NTR, who had enacted several welfare programs to benefit women. Despite progress, he expressed concern over the ongoing challenges women face and the societal prejudices they still endure. In a pointed remark, he criticised former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for not offering his mother and sister a share in his properties, drawing attention to his lack of credibility in advocating for women’s rights.
Acknowledging the crucial role women played in the development of Amaravati, Chandrababu praised the voluntary donation of 34,000 acres of land by 29,000 farmers for the capital’s construction. He called it a world record and lamented the obstacles posed by the previous government in advancing Amaravati’s development.
The CM also underscored the TDP government’s efforts to reform the education system, particularly to encourage female students to pursue higher education. He noted that the introduction of 33 per cent reservations for women in education, employment, and political appointments, despite criticism at the time, has led to significant advancements for women in various fields.
Additionally, Chandrababu provided updates on several initiatives aimed at promoting women entrepreneurs. Agreements have been signed with 24 organisations to support women in business, and training programmes for DWCRA women have been set up to enhance their skills in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. The CM highlighted that if women’s products were marketed under a global brand like Amul, they would receive international recognition.
To ensure women’s safety, the government has introduced the Sakthi app and formed 164 Sakthi teams. Chandrababu promised to create a safe environment for women, allowing them to freely move from rural to urban areas for employment opportunities.
He also addressed the issue of online harassment, stating that strict action would be taken against anyone making objectionable comments on social media, emphasising that Assembly proceedings would be conducted with dignity.
In line with promises made during his election campaign, Chandrababu announced the supply of three free cooking gas cylinders to households and the upcoming implementation of the “Talliki Vandanam” programme, which will be available to all women regardless of the number of children.
The Chief Minister urged all MLAs to take responsibility for promoting at least 1,000 women as entrepreneurs in their constituencies, and he called upon DWCRA women to capitalise on the incentives provided by the State government.
Through these comprehensive initiatives, the CM reiterated his government’s commitment to the empowerment of women, both economically and socially, as key to achieving sustainable development in the State.