Telangana Launches Free Sewing Machine Scheme for 1.19 Lakh BC Women

Transport and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Thursday launched the Intintaa Indiramma Sewing Machines scheme at the Secretariat in Hyderabad. Under the new initiative, the Telangana government will provide free automatic sewing machines to 1.19 lakh BC women across the state to promote self-employment and financial independence.

Under the first phase of the scheme, 1,000 automatic sewing machines will be distributed in each of the state's 119 assembly constituencies, taking the total number of beneficiaries to 1.19 lakh. Each sewing machine is valued at ₹12,000 and will be provided on a 100 per cent subsidy, requiring no financial contribution from the selected women.

Applications from eligible BC women will be accepted from August 15 to September 15. The scheme is designed to help women interested in tailoring take up self-employment and generate an income directly from their homes.

In accordance with official eligibility guidelines, priority will be given to women from economically weaker backgrounds, widows, single women, homeless individuals, orphans, persons with disabilities, and applicants with prior experience in tailoring.

Speaking at the launch, Ponnam stated that the beneficiary selection process would be conducted transparently in accordance with government guidelines. He added that training on how to use the automatic sewing machines will also be provided to recipients.