HYDERABAD Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka described Stree Nidhi as a strong platform for women’s financial self-reliance and called for collective efforts to protect the institution. Addressing the Annual Action Plan implementation programme of Stree Nidhi at Praja Bhavan on Saturday, she said that the organisation was akin to a home for its employees, and safeguarding it was essential for securing their rights and future. Employees came together to form the Stree Nidhi Staff Welfare Association. Recalling that Stree Nidhi was launched by the then Congress government in 2011, Ms. Seethakka said that the institution had extended loans worth ₹24,000 crore to over 32 lakh women so far, terming it a major achievement. She described Stree Nidhi as an “original women’s bank” and expressed hope that it would emerge as a reliable financial institution for women across Telangana. She added that several States were emulating the Telangana model of Stree Nidhi. Expressing concern over what she described as deliberate false propaganda against Stree Nidhi, she urged employees to counter such allegations. The Minister also congratulated Managing Director G. Vidyasagar Reddy for his role in establishing and strengthening Stree Nidhi. Special Chief Secretary Dana Kishore, Panchayat Raj Commissioner Divya Devarajan, Deputy Managing Director Srinath, and a large number of employees attended the programme. Published - May 16, 2026 06:56 pm IST