In Karimnagar district of Telangana, a new initiative has been launched to provide basic education to illiterate and school dropout members of women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This programme aims to give these women the ability to read, write, and manage basic calculations, empowering them to handle their financial activities independently and confidently.
I am writing about this because education is not only for children or students in schools—it is a lifelong right. In rural India, many women had to drop out of school due to poverty, family responsibilities, or lack of access. Yet, they are now active members of SHGs, running small businesses, handling loans, and contributing to household income. Without basic literacy, they often depend on others to read documents or keep records, making them vulnerable to mistakes and exploitation. This scheme is important because it bridges a long-standing gap—helping women gain self-reliance through literacy and numeracy. It’s a small step that can have a big impact on their confidence, decision-making, and economic independence.
What the Education Programme Offers
The initiative is being carried out by the District Literacy Mission in collaboration with local SHGs and community resource persons.
Key highlights include:
- Basic Reading & Writing Skills – Helping women read signs, notices, and documents.
- Numeracy Training – Learning to calculate interest, manage accounts, and understand transactions.
- Functional Literacy – Focused on skills useful for daily life and SHG activities.
- Flexible Timings – Classes held at convenient times so women can balance work and home duties.
Role of Self-Help Groups in Women’s Empowerment
SHGs have been one of the most effective rural development models in India. In Karimnagar, thousands of women are part of these groups, collectively saving money, accessing bank loans, and starting small-scale businesses. With added literacy skills, they will be able to maintain records themselves, check bank statements, and negotiate better with vendors or customers.
Impact Beyond Education
While the primary goal is literacy, the expected outcomes go much further:
- Increased confidence in handling money and official work.
- Reduced dependency on others for reading or calculations.
- Greater participation in community decision-making.
- A sense of pride and self-worth among women who once thought education was beyond their reach.
This initiative in Karimnagar is a reminder that education has no age limit. By focusing on women in SHGs, the programme is targeting a group that is already active in economic activities and can immediately put their new skills to use. It’s a step towards building not just literate individuals but stronger, self-reliant communities.
