APCC refutes Naidu's charges on SHGs' failure

Hyderbad, Aug 14 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Congess Committee (APCC) today refuted Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N Chandrababu Naidu's allegations on the failure of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the State due to lack of fiscal discipline.

Addressing the press here, APCC Spokesperson N Tulasi Reddy said the SHGs working perfectly and all women members were getting bank loans at three per cent interest rate.

The State Government had taken all steps for empowerment of women and even decided to provide loans worth Rs 10,000 crore this year for SHGs.

The government had also increased the loan amount to Rs 1,100 crore during 2004-05 from Rs 700 crore given by the TDP Government during 2003-04.

He claimed the Central Planning Commission had appreciated the efforts of the State Government for its fiscal discipline.

The government had shown Rs 450 crore surplus in the 2007-08 Budget as against Rs 2,961 crore deficit during 2003-04 due to various steps taken by it.

The State's plan expenditure was Rs 43,203 crore for the current financial year as against Rs 10,970 crore during 2003-04.

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