Latest news with #VLR
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Rs 818 crore released for VLR payments since Dec 2023
HYDERABAD: Since the Congress formed the government in December 2023, the implementation of the Vaddi Leni Runalu (VLR) scheme — interest subvention on loans taken by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) — has witnessed a resurgence. Data reveals that in FY 2024–25, the government has so far released Rs 818.04 crore towards VLR payments, indicating a renewed policy thrust to clear long-pending dues. For several years, especially after 2019, disbursement under this scheme had slowed down, resulting in massive unpaid dues. However, the year-wise data showed that the programme has gained momentum once again, with the new administration making considerable payments within a short span. Between the financial years 2014–15 and 2023–24, the cumulative demand for VLR payments stood at Rs 6,105.73 crore. Of this, Rs 3,030.43 crore was disbursed, leaving outstanding dues of Rs 3,075.31 crore. The payments were consistent and timely until 2018–19, but from 2019–20 onwards, there was a steep decline in releases. For instance, while Rs 602.74 crore was required in 2019–20, only Rs 386.99 crore was paid. The situation deteriorated further in subsequent years, with minimal or no releases, particularly between 2021–22 and 2023–24, when the demand peaked at Rs 943.9 crore in 2021–22 alone. This prolonged inaction appears to have been reversed after the Congress administration took charge as Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Women & Child Welfare Minister Danasari Anasuya alias Seethakka took women empowerment as a challenge. A look at the VLR district-wise data for the current FY 2024–25 paints a clear picture of renewed efforts of the government. Of the total `818.04 crore released under the VLR scheme, Rs 298.04 crore was paid between December 2023 and March 2024 and Rs 220.65 crore between April 2024 and January 2025. Govt to allocate more funds for women empowerment The government also released Rs 299.35 crore through the Integrated Management System (IMS), suggesting that the payments were not only timely but also systematised. Speaking to TNIE, Seethakka said: 'The state government under the leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is striving to make women billionaires, and we have not confined ourselves to words but actions.' 'Our government intends to allocate more funds for women empowerment in the coming days,' she added.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
₹344 crore interest subsidy to be credited to SHGs by July 18
AD The State government has released ₹344.35 crore as interest subsidy under the Vaddi Leni Runalu (VLR) scheme for women's self-help groups (SHGs) as part of the Indira Mahila Shakti (IMS) initiative. Of the total amount released by the Finance department on Friday, ₹299.35 crore has been earmarked for 3,51,599 SHGs in rural areas and ₹44 crore for those in urban areas. The interest subsidy will be directly credited to the accounts of eligible groups by July 18. In addition, Ministers, MLAs and other public representatives will distribute interest subsidy cheques along with accident and loan insurance cheques in their respective constituencies shortly. The interest-free loan scheme (VLR), which was inactive during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government's tenure from 2019 to 2023, is being actively revived by the Congress government. Officials stated that over ₹3,075 crore in interest dues remained pending during the BRS period. Since the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government came to power, ₹862.04 crore has been released towards interest subsidy, including the latest tranche of ₹344 crore. The scheme is being spearheaded by Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka). Under her initiative, the State government bears the interest on loans taken by SHGs from banks, thereby ensuring zero interest burden on the beneficiaries. Minister Seethakka reiterated the government's commitment to the economic empowerment of women in the State. She noted that annual loan disbursements to SHGs are expected to exceed ₹25,000 crore and assured that the government would continue to pay the interest component to alleviate financial stress on women. 'The revival and timely implementation of this scheme reflect the Congress government's commitment to women's welfare,' she added.
Borneo Post
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
VLR a transparent tool to identify gaps in Sarawak's development, says Dr Sim
Dr Sim (fifth left), Desmond (fifth right), and Norliza (fourth right) with the chairmen of participating local councils during a photo call after the MoU signing ceremony. – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 20): The implementation of Voluntary Local Reporting (VLR) based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sarawak is aimed at identifying gaps and planning improvements in a transparent and structured manner, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said the purpose of the VLR is not merely to benchmark Sarawak's current status against other regions but to genuinely assess strengths and weaknesses in order to improve the well-being of its people. According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Dr Sim said this approach reflects the sincerity of the Sarawak government to objectively assess existing strengths and weaknesses and strive to improve them for the well-being of the people. 'Through VLR, we can identify what else we need to do, what gaps we need to address, and all of these things actually show our sincerity, that we want to know and then we want to make improvements based on the data,' he said. Dr Sim was speaking after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), Sarikei District Council (MDS), and URBANICE Malaysia for the preparation of the VLR report at a hotel here today. The State Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the sustainable development roadmap will be tailored to the specific needs of cities, local councils, and local authorities. He explained that applying the SDGs at the local level helps align development with international standards and highlights areas for improvement. He also commended URBANICE Malaysia and the participating councils for leading efforts in drafting the VLR, which he said helps analyse challenges at the grassroots level and guides targeted solutions. 'This report will be part of the index, and through this report, the needs of the city will also be assessed. 'We also look at other parameters such as the frequency of power outages and so on so that we can make comparisons. 'If we say we have become better, how much better we are, or why we are still experiencing power outages, all of these are actually very important for the development of Sarawak,' he said. Also present at the ceremony were the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Desmond Douglas Jerukan; URBANICE Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Norliza Hashim; MPP Chairman Tan Kai; MPKS Chairman Abang Ismawi Abang Ali; and MDS Chairman Stephen Wong Kie Yong. Dr Sim Kui Hian SDGs VLR Voluntary Local Reporting
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Trial journeys to be held for Coventry's very light railway system
About 2,000 people who take test journeys on a new "very light railway" (VLR) system in Coventry will be surveyed on their views about feedback will be used in a report to assist the future development of the city's forthcoming public transport service.A 220m (721ft) demonstrator line has been constructed as part of a trial of the new tram from the University of Coventry said they would also carry out further in-depth follow-up research on people's attitudes towards the VLR. Bosses at the city council said it could be built at about half the cost of a conventional tram it is completed, the VLR is expected to form part of a city-wide transport network, connecting with existing electric bus of the public were invited to book a ride in the battery-powered carriage on a limited number of dates in June. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Metro
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Metro
Inside UK's new £189,000,000 revolutionary ‘very light' transport system
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The motor capital of the UK has received a transport makeover – and it's already going to be expanded. Coventry has spearheaded the Very Light Rail network, which has been described as being like a tram, but better. The vehicles, which can carry 60 passengers, are cheaper and more flexible than traditional railways, and passengers started using the vehicles last month. But it's now been announced that the project, currently in use on two streets in the city centre, is set to be expanded to six new areas. The Department for Transport has released £12million to expand the project into 'growth areas' across the city, including the Coventry Gigafactory at Coventry Airport. Speaking to CoventryLive, Cllr Jim O'Boyle said: 'Coventry passengers deserve a choice of how they travel around our city. 'Sheffield, Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, all of those have choice, so we should have that choice as well.' The transport system, currently in place along Queen Victoria Road and Greyfriars Road, could also expand to Coventry Railway Station, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Antsy Park, the University of Warwick, and Coventry University. The expansion should be completed by the end of next year, and it's hoped this will bring new jobs to the city centre. Local father and son Graham and Joe Dibbins are train drivers at RailAdventure UK and were among the first to drive the new vehicles. Graham said: 'It's an extraordinary feeling to be involved in such an innovative project and at the same time to be working with my son for the first time in a professional capacity as train drivers.' Joe added: 'It seems unbelievable that I am working with the one person I respect more than anyone else – my dad. The fact that Coventry Very Light Rail is so technologically advanced is simply the icing on the cake.' Cllr O'Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change at the city council, said the 'green' CVLR system will 'revolutionise transport in Coventry.' He said: 'Very Light Rail is just the beginning of our plans to revolutionise transport in our city, tackle climate change, improve air quality, and provide a reliable and accessible travel option.' The cost of construction is the first thing that sets it apart from traditional trams. The estimated cost per kilometre (0.6 miles) is £10million, compared to £30million for the same distance for tram tracks. The new track sits just under 11 inches (30cm) within the road surface, minimising expensive and time-consuming works to relocate pipes and cables. The VLR system is powered by batteries, meaning that, unlike trams, there is no need for overhead wires. The electric, very light rail system has been touted as a way to bring disused railway lines back into action. There are no definite plans to build ultra-light rail systems in London, but TfL and the London Assembly have discussed and reviewed the option over the years. Major rail operators are said to have shown interest in the very light rail systems, and further trials are planned to start in 2026. In London, the closest to the new train system is the tram network, which still runs across the southern boroughs. The history of London trams goes back to more than 200 years, but there were times it almost disappeared for good. The very light rail bears some similarity to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), a driverless train operating in London since the 1980s on a 24-mile track. DLR is a light metro train, which uses purpose-built tracks, which run mostly outdoors, connecting Canary Wharf, the City, Stratford, Lewisham and Woolwich. Whereas very light rail uses batteries, the DLR gets its power from a bottom-contact third rail system underneath the train. Self-driving vehicles are expected to be on the UK roads by 2026, the government has said, opening the door for more autonomous rail systems. More Trending The Coventry very light rail has been developed to allow autonomous operation in the future. Pedestrians, cyclists and disabled passengers will have 'sufficient provision' on the new routes when they open, the council confirmed. A version of this article was first published on May 7, 2025 Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Inside the new £2,500,000,000 Leeds tram system with airport connection MORE: Donald Trump's travel ban doesn't make sense – here's why MORE: Double decker bus roof ripped off after crashing into railway bridge in South Norwood
