North News
New Delhi, January 3
Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, underlined the significance of “women-led development” as a central tenet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance agenda, speaking to nearly 3,000 women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Moragudi village, YSR Kadapa. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Singh emphasized that SHGs are pivotal in advancing women’s empowerment in India.
Continuing his three-day visit under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), Singh’s focus remained on key development areas, including women’s empowerment, education, infrastructure, and tourism. His visit to Moragudi highlighted the transformative role of SHGs, particularly in promoting financial literacy, food processing, and the production of handloom and millet-based products. Central government schemes like PMFME (PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) are supporting these groups in achieving economic self-reliance.
Dr. Singh praised the efforts of the SHGs and encouraged further skill development through SEEDAP, a program designed to enhance local employability and entrepreneurial opportunities. He also visited an exhibition showcasing local food and utility products, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation within the community.
In addition to his engagements with SHGs, Dr. Singh laid the foundation stone for a central kitchen at the Zilla Parishad High School in Moragudi, a step aimed at improving the nutritional value of midday meals for school children. His visit also focused on infrastructure projects, including roads, drainage systems, and improved access to drinking water, crucial for the long-term development of the district.
The Minister later toured Gandikota, a historic site with strong tourism potential. He discussed the prospect of developing it into a major heritage tourism destination, which could generate employment and boost local economies.
Singh reiterated the vital role of the ADP in promoting inclusive growth, stating, “The ADP has proven that focused governance and collaboration can uplift the most underdeveloped regions, providing opportunities that match the best-performing districts.” His visit emphasized the government’s dedication to holistic development, with a roadmap for sustainable progress across India.
