Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated Saras Mela–2026 in Guntur on Tuesday. He visited the stalls set up by DWCRA women and spoke with several self-help group members. The event showcased handicrafts, handlooms, and local food products.
DWCRA Women Show Strong Financial Growth
The Chief Minister said 1.13 crore DWCRA women have mobilised Rs 26,000 crore across the state. They have also built a corpus fund of Rs 5,200 crore. During 2024–25, DWCRA groups took bank loans worth Rs 46,590 crore, he added. He praised their discipline and steady growth.
Market Support Through Saras Mela
Chandrababu Naidu said Saras Mela will help rural women get better branding and market access. He congratulated Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar for bringing the exhibition to Andhra Pradesh. Such events usually take place in New Delhi, he noted.
Focus on Welfare and Development
The Chief Minister said the coalition government works with equal focus on welfare and development. Under the Talliki Vandanam scheme, the government credits Rs 10,090 crore every year to mothers of 67 lakh students. He also highlighted free bus travel for women under the Stree Shakti scheme and three free gas cylinders per year under the Deepam scheme.
Loans and Financial Support to SHGs
Earlier, Chandrababu Naidu handed over a cheque of Rs 1,375 crore to DWCRA groups under the Stree Nidhi scheme. He also approved Rs 2,171 crore in loans for self-help groups through SERP. He urged officials to strengthen DWCRA groups further.
Personal Interaction and Relief Support
During his visit, the Chief Minister bought a saree for his wife, Bhuvaneswari, from a handloom stall. He also approved Rs 6 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for a self-help group woman whose husband is ill.
Goal of a Poverty-Free State
Chandrababu Naidu said the government aims to build a poverty-free Andhra Pradesh. He added that women empowerment remains central to this goal and promised continued support to DWCRA groups.
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