The Telangana government has introduced the Indira Mahila Shakti (IMS) scheme under the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA). This ambitious initiative aims to provide Rs. 5,000 crore in loans to Self Help Groups (SHGs) over the next five years.

The scheme is designed to promote women entrepreneurship and set up 17,500 micro enterprises in the current financial year with a total capital outlay of Rs. 1,025 crore. Subsidies ranging from 10% to 35% will be provided to support various ventures, including stitching centers, canteens, catering services, and food processing units.

In Telangana, there are 1.74 lakh SHGs comprising 17.65 lakh members, and this scheme is expected to significantly boost their economic activities and self-reliance. So far, the government has already released Rs. 595 crore to 9,856 SHGs through bank linkages. This funding has resulted in the establishment of 2,464 micro enterprises and 358 stitching centers. Additionally, the IMS scheme plans to set up Indira Mahila Shakti Canteens at strategic locations such as government offices, industrial parks, and tourism hubs.

The scheme was announced during a meeting chaired by MEPMA Mission Director V. K. Sreedhar, who emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs. The meeting was attended by various officials, bankers, and representatives from SHGs, who discussed the implementation strategies and the potential impact of the scheme on women empowerment in the state.

This initiative is part of Telangana’s broader efforts to eradicate poverty, enhance economic growth, and promote gender equality by empowering women through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. The IMS scheme aligns with the state’s vision of fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its citizens, particularly women.