HYDERABAD: The Telangana state government has introduced the 'Sneha Summer Program' to ensure the productive use of summer holidays for the empowerment of adolescent girls. The initiative focuses on the continuation of their education, health protection, safety, and the development of leadership skills.
Directed by Minister Seethakka, the action plan was formulated by coordinating various departments under the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) and the Women and Child Welfare Department. The program was specifically designed to tackle critical issues that arise when schools close for the summer, such as girls losing touch with education and skills, and the increased risk of child marriages and daily wage labor.
Massive Enrollment Across the State
As part of the initiative, 'Sneha Sanghalu' (Sneha Groups) are being formed in every village, mobilizing adolescent girls between the ages of 15 and 18. Currently, over 9,000 such groups have been established across the state, with more than 90,000 girls enrolled as members.
Focus on Mobility and Self-Confidence
SERP CEO and Director of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Divya Devarajan, held a video conference with District Rural Development Officers (DRDOs) and District Welfare Officers to discuss the program's implementation. She emphasized that mobility is crucial for the freedom and self-confidence of adolescent girls.
"Every rural girl should learn to ride a bicycle, which will eventually pave the way for them to learn to ride a two-wheeler," she stated. To support this, special coaches will be appointed and provided with an honorarium to teach cycling.
Key Initiatives Under the Program:
In addition to cycling, the summer camps will facilitate several crucial services for the girls, including:
Assistance with 10th-grade exams and Open School opportunities.
Issuance of health profile cards and education continuation plans.
Opening bank accounts.
Support in obtaining essential documents such as Caste, Income, Residence, and Aadhaar certificates.
Implementation and Tracking
To take the program to the grassroots level, Anganwadi staff, ASHA workers, health personnel, and Self-Help Group (SHG) members will work together as dedicated teams.
Divya Devarajan confirmed that district-level action plans and budget allocations are ready. An app-based tracking system will be utilized to monitor the progress and ensure that every girl receives the required services. Furthermore, the camps will feature weekly sports and awareness programs, ultimately culminating in a state-level 'Balala Parliament' (Children's Parliament) at the end of the program.
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