- The Telangana State government can make a decision regarding the ₹2,500 per month allowance for women under the Mahalakshmi scheme
- The decision would be taken on July 25 in the Cabinet meeting headed by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy
Telangana State government is likely to make a key decision on the pending ₹2,500 monthly stipend for women under the Mahalakshmi scheme at the next Cabinet meeting scheduled for July 25, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The monthly monetary aid, one of the key commitments made by the Congress party before the 2023 Assembly polls, has been pending since the party assumed power.
Apart from the Mahalakshmi scheme, the Cabinet is expected to discuss other issues of importance like the passage of an ordinance for 42 percent BC reservation and the completion of local body poll schedule. Sources indicated that the Finance Department is in the process of preparing a report to gauge the cost implications of introducing the women's allowance scheme.
The Congress is said to be seeking to consolidate its vote bank among women, and instituting this scheme would increase its prospects manifold in the next local body elections.
Although the scheme has been delayed because of financial considerations, the government has already launched other women-focused schemes such as free travel for women in RTC buses, interest-free loans for women self-help groups, women's assistance to install solar power units, and supplying hire buses to the RTC. These actions have served to consolidate women's votes for the Congress.
The officials emphasized that the financial needs and eligibility should be decided upon beforehand before the State Election Commission declares the election schedule. State Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao directed department secretaries to prepare Cabinet agenda items for approval. The Cabinet will also be reviewing the release of funds under various welfare programs in the state.
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