Telangana allocates ₹31,605 crore for rural development

The Telangana government has announced a budget of ₹31,605 crore for the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development department for the fiscal year 2025-26. This allocation supports rural development and focuses on empowering women. The budget for this department is second only to the Scheduled Caste Welfare department, which received ₹40,232 crore. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka presented the budget to the Assembly on March 19, 2025. He stated that the government is focused on improving the rural system that suffered under the previous administration. The government plans to provide ₹1 lakh crore in interest-free loans to one crore women through the Indira Mahila Shakti Mission scheme. The Finance Minister highlighted that they aimed to provide ₹20,000 crore in interest-free loans to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and exceeded that goal by giving ₹21,632 crore. This support has led to the creation of 2.25 lakh microenterprises and numerous jobs for women. To further assist women, the government is launching 214 Indira Mahila Shakti Canteens and has allocated ₹110 crore for 22 business hubs for SHGs. SHGs will also stitch school uniforms, with increased earnings projected to be around ₹28 crore from making 37.5 million uniforms. Additionally, ₹634 crore is set for 23,701 infrastructure projects under the "Amma Adarsha Patashala Programme." The government is fostering women-led businesses, including rice mills and mini warehouses, allowing SHGs to manage paddy processing. New initiatives also include providing loan insurance for SHG members and launching mobile fish retail outlets. A petrol station operated by a women’s SHG recently opened in Narayanpet. The state plans to lease 600 buses through Mandal Women’s Federations, with 150 already in operation. To promote clean energy, SHGs are involved in setting up solar power plants, aiming for 1,000 megawatts of solar power. The government has also ensured timely financial contributions under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, benefiting 25.76 lakh families with employment opportunities.