Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has reaffirmed his commitment to women’s empowerment, emphasizing their crucial role in economic development. Speaking at the International Conference 2025 on “New Gen – Techade for Sustainable Enterprises (MSMEs) – Prosperity for All”, he highlighted the growing influence of women in business and innovation. He pointed out that women are now excelling in various fields and contributing significantly to the economy, stating that progress is impossible without their participation. Citing the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24, he noted a significant rise in female workforce participation, reinforcing India’s leadership in gender inclusivity.
During his address, the Chief Minister announced initiatives to support women entrepreneurs, including the launch of the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative will provide structured support to women with business ideas, ensuring they receive mentorship and financial backing to turn their innovations into successful enterprises. He also emphasized the importance of self-reliance and resourcefulness, stating that utilizing available opportunities can create economic wonders.
Chandrababu Naidu reiterated his government’s commitment to women’s welfare, recalling how his experiences inspired the launch of the Deepam scheme, which provided free gas connections to households. He announced the expansion of this initiative through Deepam 2.0, which will now offer three free gas cylinders per household to ease domestic burdens. He further revealed that 45% of investments in MSMEs would be directed toward women-led enterprises. Agreements will be signed with leading banks to facilitate financial inclusion and provide enhanced support to self-help groups (SHGs), ensuring women gain greater access to business opportunities.
nal and personal responsibilities, Chandrababu Naidu announced plans to promote work-from-home opportunities on a larger scale. He emphasized the importance of digital literacy and lifelong learning, encouraging citizens to upgrade their skills to stay relevant in an evolving world. In a light-hearted moment, he remarked that while a wife could live without a husband and vice versa, neither could live without a cellphone, underscoring the central role of technology in modern life.
