Naidu Urges Women to Turn Welfare Support Into Income-Generating Opportunities
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister says women's economic empowerment can strengthen families and calls on DWCRA groups to expand businesses and markets for their products.
AMARAVATI, AUGUST 16, 2026: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged women to use government welfare programmes as a foundation for income generation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance, rather than depending solely on benefits.
Addressing women from across the state at a programme titled “A Year of Stree Shakti – Doubled Self-Respect”, Naidu said greater economic independence for women could contribute to stronger and more prosperous families.
The event marked the first anniversary of the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme.
WHAT HAPPENED
Naidu travelled with women beneficiaries on an APSRTC bus from the Amaravati Parade Grounds to his camp office following the Independence Day celebrations.
At the camp office, he hosted the beneficiaries for tea and interacted with them about their experiences with the Stree Shakti scheme.
The Chief Minister said the government was focusing on understanding the difficulties faced by poor and middle-class families and extending support to vulnerable sections.
WOMEN'S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Naidu said women's role within families has changed significantly, with many women increasingly becoming primary income earners.
He urged beneficiaries to use government schemes to establish businesses, create employment and develop sustainable sources of income.
He also called on DWCRA groups to expand their businesses and improve markets for their products, assuring them of government support.
DWCRA SAVINGS
Naidu highlighted the financial discipline of DWCRA women's groups, saying approximately ₹25,000 crore in savings accumulated by the groups was currently held in banks.
He praised the groups for maintaining regular repayment of bank loans and said their financial discipline compared favourably with that of some larger businesses that had defaulted on loans.
OTHER GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
Naidu also linked women's economic empowerment with education, healthcare and family welfare.
He highlighted:
Thalliki Vandanam for children in families
Nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices
Public healthcare initiatives such as Sanjeevani
Economic opportunities for poor families
Support for DWCRA businesses and products
P4 MODEL AND SELF-RELIANCE
The Chief Minister said the government was using the P4 (Public-Private-People-Partnership) model to improve the economic condition of poorer households.
He also promoted the “Anu Nenu” (I am the one who will make a difference) approach, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for improving their families, villages and the state.
KEY MESSAGE TO WOMEN
Naidu urged women not to remain satisfied with receiving welfare assistance alone. Instead, he encouraged them to convert government support into opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and self-employment.
He said stronger household incomes and better health could contribute to happier and more financially secure families.
WHAT'S NEXT
The government is expected to continue focusing on women's mobility and economic empowerment through Stree Shakti, DWCRA groups and other welfare and livelihood programmes, with greater emphasis on turning benefits into sustainable income opportunities.
