Andhra CM releases 2nd installment under Pasupu- Kumkuma on women's day

On the occasion of International Women's Day, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday released the second installment under Pasupu- Kumkuma (Turmeric-Kumkum) scheme, a monetary aid to women who are a part of Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) for their better livelihood.

"We are providing monetary aid to DWCRA women under Pasupu- Kumkuma scheme. Under the scheme, the DWCRA women are being given Rs 10,000. We gave Rs 2500 in the month of February. Today on women's day, we have paid the second installment of Rs 3500. And the remaining Rs 4000 will be paid in next month. This money will help to improve women's livelihood," the Chief Minister said.

"In Andhra Pradesh, there are DWCRA groups comprising of 98 lakh women. Our government has developed DWCRA groups to eradicate poverty. There are 42,770 Anganwadi centres in the state. We increased their salary from Rs 4500 to Rs 10,500," he added.

Speaking about women-centric schemes started by the state government, Naidu said, "A majority of women face Anemia. Under Anna Amrita Hastam scheme, we are providing nutritious food for pregnant women. They can go to any hospital for delivery and the government will bear their expenses."

"We started 'Raksha' scheme with Rs 120 crores, to provide sanitary napkins to women at a nominal cost. We have distributed more than six lakh cycles under 'Badikosta' scheme so that the girl children can go to school," he underlined.

Naidu further said, "We introduced 'Mahila Master Health Checkup'. The women belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families can avail medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakhs. If needed, the women can avail Rs 10-15 lakh aid under CMRF."

Highlighting the initiatives taken for the security of women, he said, "Our government has set up CCTV cameras across the state. If anyone misbehaves with women, commits sexual abuse or violation. We also have set up an app so that they can file complaints. The action will be taken against the accused within half an hour."

"Chandranna Marriage Gift scheme, Chandranna Bima insurance scheme etc are intended for the welfare of the women. We have supplied gas stoves to all women and constructed toilets in every household of the state. The government is involving women in all state government programs," he added.