HYDERABAD

The Indira Mahila Shakti Bhavans, intended for use by District Women’s Federations (Zilla Samakhyas of SHGs under SERP) and envisioned as hubs for the economic and social empowerment of rural women, are nearing completion across Telangana, with the State government planning a State-wide inauguration on June 2, coinciding with Telangana Formation Day.

The government has taken up the construction of Indira Mahila Shakti Bhavans in 22 districts at an estimated cost of ₹110 crore, as buildings already exist in the 10 erstwhile districts. Each building is being developed at a cost of ₹5 crore with modern infrastructure and facilities aimed at strengthening the activities of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and providing them with a permanent institutional platform.

Of the 22 buildings, construction has been completed in 17 districts, while works in the remaining districts are in the final stages. Each structure is being built over an area of around 15,000 square feet with state-of-the-art amenities. Engineering officials from the Telangana Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department are monitoring the progress of works under the directions of Special Chief Secretary Dana Kishore and Commissioner Divya Devarajan.

These buildings are expected to function as centres for administrative activities, skill development, entrepreneurship and marketing support for rural women.

Officials said the initiative would significantly improve income-generation opportunities for women by creating better market access for SHG products.

Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) said women associated with self-help groups form a strong pillar of Telangana’s rural economy. “These buildings will emerge as symbols of women’s economic progress and serve as a model for the country,” she added.