Jitendra Singh Highlights Women-Led Development During Visit to YSR Kadapa

Moragudi, Andhra Pradesh: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for the PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, underscored the pivotal role of “women-led development” in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance agenda during his visit to YSR Kadapa district under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP). Addressing a gathering of nearly 3,000 women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Moragudi village, Dr. Singh emphasized the transformative impact of empowering women for India’s progress.

During his interaction, Dr. Singh lauded the efforts of women-led SHGs that are advancing rural development through financial literacy, food processing, and production of handloom and millet-based products. These initiatives, supported by central schemes like the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), have become a beacon of economic self-reliance for women in the region. Dr. Singh also encouraged skill development programs like SEEDAP to further enhance employability and entrepreneurial opportunities.

An exhibition preceding the event showcased a diverse range of local food items, utility products, and hand-crafted goods, reflecting the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of SHG participants. Dr. Singh highlighted the importance of promoting indigenous goods to foster self-reliance and sustain local economies.

The Minister laid the foundation stone for a central kitchen at the Zilla Parishad High School in Moragudi, designed to address the nutritional needs of schoolchildren through the midday meal program. Additionally, he inspected ongoing projects focusing on roads, drainage systems, housing, and clean drinking water, emphasizing their importance for sustainable development.

Dr. Singh’s visit also included Gandikota, a historic site renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. He discussed plans with local officials to develop the area into a premier heritage destination, leveraging tourism as an economic driver while preserving the site’s historical significance.

Reflecting on his three-day visit to YSR Kadapa, Dr. Singh reiterated the importance of the Aspirational Districts Programme in fostering equitable growth. “The ADP exemplifies the potential of focused governance to uplift underdeveloped regions, providing opportunities comparable to the best-performing districts,” he stated, commending Prime Minister Modi’s vision for an inclusive and progressive India.

Dr. Jitendra Singh’s engagements in YSR Kadapa highlighted both achievements and challenges under the ADP. His proactive approach and detailed assessments aim to guide future strategies for addressing gaps in development.

The Minister’s visit reinforced the government’s commitment to translating policies into tangible impacts, empowering local communities, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting innovation. The transformation of YSR Kadapa serves as a blueprint for equitable development, showcasing India’s path toward a sustainable and inclusive future.