Rs 1 L promised to each SHG in Telangana by Congress

Seeking to woo women voters for the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana, Congress Monday announced various promises, including a grant of Rs one lakh each to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the state.

"For the six lakh groups, women (Self Help) groups... in Telangana,the next Congress government will provide a grant of Rs one lakh to each DWCRA (Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas) group," state Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy said, addressing a meeting of women organised by the party here.

He said Rs 10 lakh bank loan would be arranged for each SHG and its interest would be paid by the state government.

Reddy promised that all members of women SHGs would be given accidental and health insurance of Rs five lakh each.

Claiming that Congress governments in undivided Andhra Pradesh had strengthened women SHGs by giving them grants and others, Reddy alleged that the TRS government has completely neglected the groups.

He said the TRS government has 'insulted' women by not giving them any representation in the state cabinet.

Reddy expressed confidence that his party would emerge triumphant in Rajasthan and other states where elections will be held along with Telangana.

Telangana will go to the polls on December 7.

The assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year, but the Assembly was dissolved last month as per a recommendation made by the state cabinet.

Congress will be contesting the elections in alliance with TDP, CPI and others and talks are on among the parties parties on seat-sharing and a Common Minimum Programme (CMP).