Latest news with #SocietyforEliminationofRuralPoverty
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- The Hindu
Facial recognition devices for Cheyutha pensions
In a effort to disburse social security pensions more efficiently, and curb potential fund leakages, the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) is set to procure over 6,000 facial recognition devices, in line with the latest guidelines issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The guidelines, which came into effect earlier this year, recommend the phasing out of devices with older configurations, and encourage the adoption of newer device specifications. The facial recognition-based authentication is intended for the Cheyutha social security pension scheme, which provides funds to widows, handloom and beedi workers, patients undergoing dialysis or affected by filariasis, as well as individuals diagnosed with AIDS. The scheme also extends health insurance cover of ₹10 lakh under the Rajiv Aarogyasri initiative. The devices, either mobile phones or tablets, will be deployed across districts, with SERP planning to integrate facial recognition technology developed by a vendor of its choosing. Digital rights researcher and privacy activist Srinivas Kodali issued a word of caution. He said that any government must ensure transparency in the implementation of such technology. 'Authorities must inform people whose photographs are being collected for facial recognition purposes. With the UIDAI and other authorities now using facial recognition for other identification checks, people should be made aware of why their photo is being taken and be informed of their right to privacy,' he said. S.Q. Masood, who is a petitioner in a case in the Telangana High Court challenging the use of facial recognition by law enforcement agencies, also issued a word of caution. 'Government departments must consider challenges such as internet connectivity, infrastructural limitations, and environmental conditions that could affect the reliability of facial recognition systems. Unless these systems are 100% accurate, there is a real risk of beneficiaries being excluded or inconvenienced,' he said.
New Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Telangana government to provide loans worth Rs 19K crore to 3.55 lakh SHGs
HYDERABAD: The government has set a target of providing loans worth Rs 19,838.58 crore to 3,55,138 self-help groups (SHGs) in Telangana in 2025-26. Women & Child Welfare Minister Dansari Anasuya alias Seethakka revealed this during the unveiling of the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) Annual Action Plan for 2025-26 held in Hyderabad on Thursday. The minister also launched an information booklet aimed at promoting financial literacy among members of SHGs. Describing the action plan as a roadmap for women's economic empowerment through bank linkages, Seethakka highlighted last year's success, noting that SHGs exceeded credit targets and secured an additional Rs 5,000 crore in loans. She emphasised that SHGs have proven their creditworthiness, with a repayment rate of 98.5%, which outpaces even that of large corporate borrowers. 'Just as we successfully implemented last year's plan, I am confident we will achieve the goals set for this year as well,' she said, while urging banks to continue their cooperation in providing credit to SHGs. Seethakka concluded by promising that every rupee borrowed this financial year by women's groups will be repaid without a single rupee becoming an NPA.
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Presidential Order: Telangana govt. allows 100% transfers for SERP
In a major development, the Telangana government has issued an order allowing 100% transfers of employees in the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP). This decision, taken in line with the Presidential Order 2018, will benefit 3,974 SERP employees who have been holding the same posts for ten years. The Telangana Public Employment (Organisation of Local Cadres and Regulation of Direct Recruitment) Order, 2018, mandated that the government organise classes of posts in the Civil Services and classes of Civil posts under the State into different local cadres for different parts of the State. Further, instructions have been issued to ensure similar reservations in favour of local candidates in direct recruitments in respect of companies, corporations, societies, and other institutions under the control of the State. Following this, the Chief Executive Officer of SERP submitted a proposal for the organisation of local cadres in SERP in accordance with the provisions under para 3 of the Telangana Public Employment Organisation of Local Cadres and Regulation of Direct Recruitment Order, 2018. As a result, posts such as Mandal Samakhya Community Coordinators (MSCCs), Mandal Book Keepers (Cluster Coordinators)-L1, Community Coordinators-L2, Administrative Assistants/Project Secretaries, Drivers, and Office Assistants-OA have been categorized as District Cadres, while Assistant Project Managers-L3 have been organised into Contiguous Multi-Zonal Cadres. However, certain categories of posts at the SERP head office, including Administrative Assistants/Project Secretaries, Drivers, and Office Subordinates (OAs), are exempted from this organisation. The CEO also requested the government for 100% transfers of all category employees, as there is no restriction in the HR Policy of SERP Employees on transfers, and government orders on transfers are not applicable since SERP is a society. Based on the proposal, the government accorded permission (GO Rr 250 dated April 17, 2025) to the CEO, SERP, to take up 100% transfers in all categories of SERP employees, including Field staff L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 cadres, Ministerial and Supporting Staff, and MSCCs.
