To uplift and empower women across the state, the Andhra Pradesh government announced the YSR Asara scheme on April 11, 2019. The scheme focuses on waiving off the outstanding bank loans of rural and urban poor Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in four instalments.
A Look at the Scheme’s Progress
- Total allocation proposed for the 4th instalment: Rs 6,700 crore
- Total waived off in three instalments: Rs 19,137 crore
- Number of SHG women beneficiaries: 78.74 lakh
Ministerial Announcement
During the House of Assembly’s budget session on Thursday (16th March 2023), Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy proposed the allocation of the final instalment amounting to Rs 6,700 crore for the YSR Asara scheme for the year 2023-24.
Complementary Schemes
In addition to the YSR Asara scheme, the state government has also allocated funds for other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women and children:
- YSR Sunna Vaddi scheme: Rs 1,000 crore
- YSR Cheyutha scheme: Rs 5,000 crore
- Women Development and Children Welfare: Rs 3,951 crore
Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy highlighted the implementation of the Jagananna Paala Velluva project, stating, “The Jagananna Paala Velluva project has been implemented in 17 districts covering 2.52 lakh women dairy farmers.”