Minister calls for socio-economic development among women

Puducherry, Nov 7 (UNI) Public Health Minister A Namasivayam today called for socio-economic development among women to ensure urban poverty allevation.

Speaking at a workshop on the implementation of the Swarna Jayanthi Sahar Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) jointly organised by the Regional Centre for Urban and Enviornmental Studies of the Osmania University and the Ministry of Urban Poverty Allevation here, Mr Namasivayam said necessary changes should be made in tune of the times while implementing the schemes.

As many as 2,400 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were functioning here and doing their best by availing bank loans.

He also said the Puducherry Administration would seek more funds from the Centre the for urban development here.

Inaugurating the workshop, Prof Malla Reddy of Osmania University said the SJSRY Scheme was evolved to alleviate urban poverty which currently stood at 27 per cent. It was targeted to bring it down to 11 per cent by 2011.

In his address, Local Administration Department Director Vallabhan said the SJSRY was being implemented in the Union Territory from December 1997 by the five municipalities.

A loan of Rs 50,000 with a 15 per cent subsidy was being given to start small industries here.

With a view to eradicate the menace of usury, urban women were given a loan of Rs 25,000, he said.

Mr Vallabhan said 75 per cent of the funds under the scheme were contributed by the Centre with the balance coming from the Territorial Administration.

UNI PAB GM GT PM1355