Govt. to build SHG federation buildings at GP level

The State government has announced revised guidelines for constructing dedicated buildings for village organisations (VO) of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Federations at the Gram Panchayat level across the State. These structures will serve as permanent platforms for women’s collectives, enabling them to function as hubs for self-employment and decision-making, said Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka).

In a statement on Wednesday, she said that this initiative marks a historic move to further strengthen women’s organisations at the grassroots level. Each building will be constructed on 200 square yards with a plinth area of 552 sq. ft, at an estimated cost of ₹10 lakh per unit. The decision comes in response to long-standing demands from SHGs for permanent spaces to operate village organizations (VOs) and federations.

“Our aim is to provide respect, security, and confidence to women through these buildings,” she said, adding that the construction will be taken up in phases across all villages.

The process will begin based on Gram Sabha resolutions, with proposals routed through Mandal and District levels and approved by the District Collector. Construction will be supervised by Panchayat Raj engineering staff, and a mandatory social audit will be conducted within six months of completion, as the works will utilise MGNREGS funds.

Minister Seethakka urged district collectors and PR and RD officials to strictly adhere to the guidelines and ensure timely execution of the project to strengthen women’s groups across Telangana.