Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy has described the ‘Jagananna Mahila Mart’ as yet another means of ensuring women’s empowerment, especially in smaller towns.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a mart at his constituency headquarters of Punganur on Tuesday, Mr. Ramachandra Reddy called the mart a result of the collective efforts of 9,000 Self Help Groups (SHGs). The mart has been floated with a collective capital of ₹27 lakh, the Minister said, asking the Punganur municipal commissioner to consider expanding the mart by adding product lines.
The Minister received applause from women after he sanctioned four more rooms to the mart.
Mr. Ramachandra Reddy also formally inaugurated the butterfly-shaped street lighting system on the Punganur bypass, which was developed at an outlay of ₹25 lakh. Later, he visited the Manikya Varadaraja Swamy temple in the town, which is being renovated at a cost of ₹1.59 crore, and asked officials to ensure that the shrine is readied soon.
