The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Visakhapatnam News : ‘Benefits after weeding out bogus cards’

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Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

‘Benefits after weeding out bogus cards’

Staff Reporter

2.2 crore cards against 1.8 crore families

15,000 more pensions sought
Make use of third linkage, SHGs told

VISAKHAPATNAM: Minister for Rural Development and Indira Krantipadham Vatti Vasant Kumar on Tuesday assured that all the eligible would be granted welfare pensions, Arogyasri and ration cards, houses and house-sites after bogus cards were weeded out in a two-month drive beginning July 1. The State has now 2.2 crore ration cards against 1.8 crore families.

He was responding to a request from people’s representatives and officials to sanction 15,000 more pensions, at a meeting organized to give away Rs.1.62 crores towards loans under the ‘pavala’ (25 paise) interest programme to 132 self-help groups in Zone III of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation.

Promoting SHGs

The Minister said the credit for promoting the SHGs in urban areas went to the Rajasekhar Reddy Government after it came to power in 2004.

Recalling the origin of the ‘pavala’ (three per cent) interest, he said during the TDP rule women were getting 25 paise interest for their savings in the bank but had to pay Rs.1.25 when they borrowed from the bank. Dr. Rajasekhar Reddy promised to right the wrong and implemented 25 paise interest, he said.

The State Government had earmarked Rs.600 crores towards 25 paise interest and SHG members should derive maximum benefit by going in for the third linkage of Rs. 5 lakhs, the Minister said.

‘Abhaya Hastam’

Mr. Vasant Kumar said the Government would implement “Abhaya Hastham,” insurance scheme for 1 crore women SHG members from November 1. It will ensure a minimum pension of Rs,500 for women above 60 years. For every rupee women contributed the State Government would add a rupee for the implementation of the scheme.

If someone as young as 18 or 19 years joined the scheme, she would get a pension of Rs.2,500.

Tribal Welfare Minister P. Balaraju lauded the confidence of SHGs that became self-reliant and started insurance and other schemes on their own.

Women who used to make rounds to the bank for borrowing were in a position to lend money now.

MLA Dronamraju Srinivasa Rao who presided said the credit for 25 paise interest went to Dr. Rajasekhar Reddy. Mayor Pulusu Janardhana Rao, MLA and City Congress President Tainla Vijay Kumar, MLA G. Babu Rao, corporators and GVMC Urban Community Development Project Director K. Srikant Prabhakar participated.

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