DAVANGERE: The State Government is contemplating releasing a Rs. 2-crore "revolving fund" to self-help groups of urban areas from this year, according to Bhageerathi Marulasiddanagowda, Minister for Women and Child Development.

She told presspersons here on Monday that she has convened a meeting of high level officials of the Department at Bangalore on June 22 and a final decision will be taken in this regard at the meeting.

Ms. Bhageerathi said the Government had Rs.11 crores as revolving fund for the rural SHGs for the current year. This amount is being utilised to conduct training programmes for women.

The Government has plans to build Sthree Shakthi Bhavans in each taluk in the State, particularly where SHGs are in good number, the Minister said.

She appealed to the Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, to earmark certain amount to construct the Bhavans.

The Deputy Chief Minister has reportedly assured the Department of providing funds for the cause and Rs. 8 crores may be released soon as first instalment, the Minister said.

Self-help groups have been successful in empowering women both socially and economically. The department has decided to provide training to women of SHGs in dairying and for this the government had sanctioned Rs.15 crores, she said.

Mr. Bhageerathi denied reports that some of he SHG members were naxalite supporters and said it is bad to brand a woman who fought for women cause and work actively for the welfare of the women. She said no women's organisation or forum is involved in naxalite activities in the State.

She said that she has directed police not to harass innocent women in the garb of enquiring about naxal sympathisers.

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