AP govt giving importance to women empowerment: Minister

Hyderabad, Aug 3 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Major Industries Minister J Gita Reddy today said the Y S Rajasekhara Reddy Government was giving utmost importance to the empowerment of women and creating awareness among them about their rights.

Speaking after inaugurating an exhibition of various articles made by women along with former actress and hero Nagarjuna's wife Amala, Dr Reddy said the government was helping women to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs) so that they could be independent.

The Minister said the DWACRA scheme, aimed at empowering women through formation of SHGs, was functioning exceedingly well and stood first in the state. Women, who were borrowing money from banks and other financial institutions, were more prompt in repayment than men.

Congratulating the organisers for exhibiting such articles made by women, Dr Reddy also expressed happiness that the proceeds of the exhibition-cum-sale were being utilised to help poor girl children for their educational needs.

The exhibition 'Deepa Mela', set up in the Imperial Gardens of Secunderabad, would remain open for three-days.

UNI