Amaravati, March 8: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Sunday that the state government has set a goal to empower 500,000 women as entrepreneurs.
He stated that significant progress has already been made, with 100,000 women becoming entrepreneurs within a year. Soon, Andhra Pradesh will have a total of 600,000 women entrepreneurs, the highest in the country.
Addressing a state-level event at the Amaravati Parade Ground on International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s vision for every household to establish a small and medium enterprise (SME), with at least 50% led by women.
During the event, he unveiled the ‘Swayam AP’ logo to promote the marketing of products made by self-help groups.
The Chief Minister honored five outstanding women entrepreneurs and presented a check of ₹10,100 crores in subsidized loans benefiting 681,506 women across various sectors.
Wishing women a happy International Women’s Day, Naidu remarked that women are known for their hard work, love, and sacrifice, playing a crucial role in strengthening society and families.
He noted that three women ministers are actively serving in the Andhra Pradesh cabinet. He also highlighted that India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, is a tribal woman, and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman effectively presents the national budget every year.
Naidu stated, “In reality, women are the true finance ministers, as they manage household income wisely and ensure every rupee is spent appropriately.”
He recalled that the first significant step towards ensuring justice for women was taken by N.T. Rama Rao, who granted equal property rights to women, established Padmavati University to promote women’s education, and provided 8% reservation for women in local bodies.
He also reminded that during his first term as Chief Minister, he implemented 33% reservation for women in colleges and jobs, expressing hope that a similar reservation will soon be enacted in assemblies.
Naidu mentioned that the systems he established, like DWCRA and MEPMA, have become models for the entire country. Although these institutions have faced challenges over time, they remain strong.
He served as the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh from 1995 to 2004.
The Chief Minister also announced that the coalition government has initiated free bus travel for women under the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme. He pledged to take responsibility for giving the ‘Swayam’ brand global recognition, ensuring that products made by self-help groups reach international markets.
In his address, he described the joint family system as India’s greatest strength, urging families not to break apart over minor disputes.
He stressed that families should not separate for benefits like rations, pensions, or housing allowances, as this weakens the social structure. He expressed concern that many elderly parents live alone, while the elderly population continues to grow, highlighting the need for change in this situation.
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