Pioneering initiative: Construction of SHG buildings picks up pace in Telangana

The construction of permanent buildings to provide dedicated working and market spaces for members of self-help groups (SHGs) in the State is gathering pace, with 6,261 buildings securing approvals from the respective District Collectors against 8,193 sites identified. Official sources said that estimates have been prepared for 5,017 of these buildings, and each building is being constructed on an extent of 200 square yards at an estimated cost of around ₹10 lakh.

The Panchayat Raj and Rural Development (PR&RD) Department has embarked on this first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, thanks to the efforts of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka). Effective coordination between the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) and the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, owing to the Minister’s initiative, is helping Village Organisations (VOs) of SHGs scout for suitable land in their respective villages.

Minister Seethakka said that the State government aims to provide a strong platform for women in every village is the government.

“These buildings will emerge as centres of economic and social empowerment, enabling women to expand self-employment opportunities and take collective decisions. The construction should be completed within the stipulated timeframe and made available for use at the earliest,” Seethakka said.

A model building has already been completed in Sarvepalli village of Atmakur mandal in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, while another has come up in Alwal village of Keshampet mandal in Ranga Reddy district.

Managed by VOs, the village-level federations of SHGs, these buildings will serve as centres for meetings, training programmes, human resource development, and marketplaces for women to sell or exhibit their products and artefacts. SERP CEO Divya Devarajan said that SHG members in all villages are showing great enthusiasm to realise their dream of having their own building.