Loan to women SHGs at 25 p interest: Reddy

Hyderabad, Dec 2 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekahra Reddy today said the government was taking steps to provide institutional credit to one crore members of Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), at 25 paise interest rate in the next four years.

Reviewing the progress of welfare schemes taken up by SHGs, with the officials and bank officers here, Dr Reddy said the government would extend loans to women to improve their living standard.

Stating that the average loan amount provided to each SHG was Rs 33,000 in 2003, he said it was raised to Rs 87,000 in 2007.

''It will help many women grow as small entrepreneurs in the state,'' Dr Reddy said.

UNI