VIJAYAWADA: Responding to the call given by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asking women to make effective use of loans provided through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to achieve financial independence and economic empowerment, a SHG woman G Jejamma and her husband G Srinivasa Rao of Repalle explained to the CM how they established and successfully running a grocery store with support of a Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) loan.
Srinivasa Rao said they started a small grocery shop in February 2025, with an initial investment of Rs 1 lakh. In June 2025, they received a Rs 2 lakh DWCRA group linkage loan, which helped them expand their business.
The CM encouraged women to start small businesses with the support of DWCRA loans and government incentives and gradually expand their enterprises. He participated in the NTR Bharosa pension distribution programme under Pedala Panduga initiative in Repalle Assembly constituency of Bapatla district on Thursday.
During his visit, he toured Sri Lakshmi Kirana General Store in Ward No. 4 of Repalle and interacted with shop owner G Jejamma and other SHG women about their activities, experiences and future plans.
The Chief Minister also enquired about the women’s awareness on use of WhatsApp Business for managing and expanding their enterprises.
Later, the Chief Minister distributed an old-age pension to Venkata Rao, father of Srinivasa Rao. He subsequently posed for a photograph with the Self-Help Group women.
Meanwhile several DWCRA women shared their business ideas, experiences and future plans with the CM.