2nd level of YSR Cheyutha deposits Rs 4,339 crore into accounts of 23 lakh women

YSR Cheyutha will provide financial assistance of Rs 18,750 per annum to women from the SC, ST, BC communities and minorities in the age group of 45 and 60 years and the scheme will directly benefit around 23 lakh women from the weaker sections to support their families financially. So far, the state government has spent Rs 8,943 crore on this scheme in the last two years, benefiting women by all means.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that the government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with multinational companies such as Amul, Allana, ITC, HUL, P&G and Reliance, and several banks to support the women entrepreneurs and establish grocery stores, dairy farms and other businesses. Through this scheme, around 78,000 women have started grocery stores, where the goods will be supplied below the market rate to help them earn an additional profit of around Rs 10,000. Similarly, 1.19 lakh women have opted for the dairy sector and are getting an additional income of Rs 5-15 on each litre of milk supplied to Amul. Also, around 70,000 women have shown interest in rearing sheep and goat units to increase their family income. He said that in the first year, the state government had provided financial assistance of Rs 1,510 crore to beneficiaries of YSR Cheyutha through banks.

The chief minister said if any eligible beneficiary is left out of the scheme, she can apply at the village secretariat concerned and their applications will be verified immediately and the benefits will be provided. In this regard, the government had set up YSR Cheyutha Call Centre 0866-2468899, 9392917899 to connect the beneficiaries with corporate companies and banks. A command control centre was also set up to monitor the call centre and provide training and assistance to the beneficiaries. The chief minister stated that about six lakh widows, single and specially-abled women in the said age group, who are already receiving monthly social pensions, are also entitled for the scheme. He, however, added that there are no restrictions on the utilisation of the amount, where the beneficiary can use the amount as per her wish.

Reiterating that the government gives priority to women welfare, the chief minister stated that the government had made laws to provide 50 per cent reservation to women in all nominated posts and nominated works, which has never happened before in any state. In the state Cabinet, deputy chief minister and home minister roles are being led by women and even brought in the Disha Bill which is yet to be approved by the Centre. Special Disha police stations have been set up in each district to crack down on crime against women and public prosecutors are also appointed to oversee Disha cases in each district. He said that the government had brought Disha and Abhay apps for immediate help for the women in distress. Besides these, 900 mobile patrolling teams were also set up especially in those sensitive areas where crime is likely to occur and a woman police officer has been appointed in the village and ward secretariats.

"The unfortunate incident that took place at Prakasam Barrage has enraged me and such incidents should not have happened. The government and the police department should do everything they can to prevent such incidents from repeating. I strongly believe that true freedom is achieved only when women can walk freely in the middle of the night without fear. As your protector, I will work hard to prevent such incidents from happening in the future," said the chief minister.