In a major step toward women's empowerment, the Andhra Pradesh Backward Classes (BC) Corporation has announced that 46,994 women who have successfully completed free tailoring training will soon receive sewing machines at no cost.
The initiative aims to provide women with economic independence by enabling them to earn a livelihood from home. "Women who completed the training under the state-sponsored tailoring program will be given free sewing machines shortly," said BC Corporation Chairperson Reddy Anantha Kumari on Saturday.
The state government has been introducing a series of welfare schemes and skill-development programs to help women achieve financial stability. The free tailoring training program, implemented through the BC Corporation, has already trained nearly 47,000 women across Andhra Pradesh.
Each beneficiary who completes the course will now receive a sewing machine, allowing them to generate income from home. This move is seen as part of a larger effort by the government to strengthen women's self-reliance.
Alongside this initiative, the government is also set to revive the "Aadarna" scheme with a ₹1,000 crore budget. Under this program, members of traditional occupational communities will be provided with tools and equipment to support their livelihoods.
The BC Corporation Chairperson also revealed that the state plans to establish corporation offices in all districts (currently operating in 13 districts), along with the creation of 54 caste-based corporations to serve various backward class communities.
Additionally, the state government will be providing ₹200 crore in subsidy loans this year to support small entrepreneurs from backward classes. Financial aid such as scholarships and overseas education loans for BC students is also being extended.
The free tailoring training program was officially launched on March 8, International Women's Day, with a goal of training 1,00,000 women across the state in this financial year.
Age limit: Women between 20 and 40 years
Income eligibility:
Rural families earning less than ₹1.5 lakh per year
Urban families earning less than ₹2 lakh per year
Beneficiaries: Currently restricted to BC and EWS categories
So far, nearly 47,000 women have completed the program, and the remaining beneficiaries are expected to finish their training in the coming months.
With free training and sewing machines, the Andhra Pradesh government is working toward creating sustainable self-employment opportunities for women, boosting their confidence, and enhancing rural as well as urban livelihoods.