Karnataka govt mulls cheaper loans for self-help groups

The Karnataka government is contemplating providing sub-prime loans or loans at a low rate of interest to Stree-Shakti self-help groups (SHGs), said minister of state for women and child development and kannada and culture Umashree.

Chairing a review meeting of various departments at Bagalkot, she said a discussion was on at the official level to ensure that loans were given at a minimal interest rate to help women develop their business and also be economically empowered.

The minister said, steps would be taken to provide adequate and nutritious food to children at anganwadis. Instead of giving food contracts to people from other states, contractors from Karnataka would be chosen to supply food to children, she said.

Expressing displeasure over the slow progress of construction of anganwadi centres in the district, Umashree directed officials to take up the work on priority and ensure speedy completion.

The minister also directed the officials to provide drinking water to all anganwadi centres.

She asked officials to complete the preliminary works on the Gangubai Hangal Rangamandira project.