In a major push towards women empowerment and financial inclusion, the Andhra Pradesh government has introduced two new loan schemes under the Stree Nidhi Credit Cooperative Federation. The fresh initiatives - NTR Vidyalakshmi Loan and Kalyana Lakshmi Loan - aim to support DWCRA (SHG) women by providing quick and affordable credit for children's education, marriage expenses and livelihood activities. A key highlight: loan amounts are credited within 48 hours of approval.
According to officials, the new loans are designed to reduce the dependence of rural women on high-interest private lenders. The schemes specifically target:
Rising higher education costs
Heavy financial burden of children's marriage
Lack of capital for self-employment
Escaping unregulated private debt traps
Purpose: Higher education Loan Limit: Up to ₹8,00,000
Purpose: Marriage expenses Loan Limit: ₹3-5 lakh (final limit subject to government order)
Stree Nidhi has also clarified loan ceilings based on the grading of Self-Help Groups (SHGs):
| Grade | Maximum Loan Limit |
|---|---|
| A Grade | ₹1 crore |
| B Grade | ₹90 lakh |
| C Grade | ₹80 lakh |
| D Grade | ₹70 lakh |
| Purpose | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|
| Livelihood activities | ₹8 lakh |
| Family needs | ₹1 lakh |
| Higher education (NTR Vidyalakshmi) | ₹8 lakh |
| Marriage expenses (Kalyana Lakshmi) | ₹3-5 lakh |
The government claims these loans will reach beneficiaries in just three steps:
Approval
Verification
Direct credit to bank account
Must be a member of a DWCRA / SHG group
Clean and updated group records
Purpose must be education, marriage or livelihood
Good repayment track record
In the unfortunate event of a borrower's death, the entire outstanding loan is waived off under the Suraksha Yojana. So far, families of 492 women have benefited from this provision.
Ensure active SHG membership
Maintain updated group records
Visit the village/ward sachivalayam
Submit loan proposal through the group leader
Stree Nidhi processes the request and credits the loan within 48 hours
1. What is the maximum loan amount? Up to ₹8 lakh for livelihood or education.
2. How fast is the loan credited? Within 48 hours.
3. Who is eligible? Any DWCRA/SHG member with good repayment history.
4. Is there a loan for higher education? Yes, under the NTR Vidyalakshmi scheme.
5. Can the loan be waived? Yes, in case of the borrower's death.
The newly launched NTR Vidyalakshmi and Kalyana Lakshmi loans represent a significant step forward in strengthening the socio-economic stability of SHG women in Andhra Pradesh. By offering quick, affordable and purpose-driven credit, the schemes provide crucial relief to thousands of families, especially from lower and middle-income groups.