1 cr women ''lakhpatis''in 5 yrs: YSR

Hyderabad, Sep 10 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Government is determined to transform at least one crore women into ''lakhpatis'' in the next five years by making available bank loans of Rs one lakh crore at three per cent interest (Pavala Vaddi).

''It is a mission possible,'' said Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy here today.

He claimed nowhere in the country such a massive effort had been taken to empower women as in Andhra Pradesh.

Dr Reddy interacted with people's representatives at his camp office today and reviewed the arrangements for UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's visit to Andhra Pradesh on September 11.

Mrs Gandhi will be addressing a ''Mahila Sadhikarata Sadassu'' (Conference on Women Empowerment) at Tirupati on September 11.

Nearly two lakh members of women's self-help groups are to attend the conference.

Ms Gandhi will later proceed to Kadapa to inaugurate Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies at Rajiv Knowledge Vally, Idupulapaya. after which she will address a public meeting at Anantapur.

The Chief Minister said his government not merely emancipated women from the 60 per cent to 120 per cent compound interest they paid to private money lenders but infused confidence and promoted self-reliance among women.

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