SHG women lose favour with parties

Hyderabad, April 14: The reference to women self-help groups, which was the buzz word in the previous general elections, is conspicuous by its absence now.

The state has 1.25 crore members affiliated to a number of women self-help groups under DWCRA and they play a crucial role in any election. In the last general elections in 2004, all political parties vied with one another to woo these women groups. The Telugu Desam even went to the extent of claiming SHGs as its own on the strength of the Deepam scheme it had introduced for them.

The women groups supported the Congress after a gap of 10 years. They were attracted by the promise of the Congress to lend loans through banks at three per cent interest per annum or 25 paise per Rs 100 per month. The Congress also showcased these women groups at the party’s public meetings.

However, in this general election, both the Congress and the TD have conveniently forgotten them. The Praja Rajyam and the TRS have also kept these groups away. The DWCRA groups are not seen actively canvassing or participating in election rallies.

According to insiders in the Congress and the TD, there was not much talk about the SHGs this time as both of them were confident of winning their support.

“The SHGs are siding with the Telugu Desam. The cash transfer scheme is primarily meant for these women groups, besides BPL families and middle classes. This time also they are going to tilt the balance. The TD will benefit from their verdict,” senior TD leader, Mr U. Venkateswarlu said.