Minister for panchayat raj and rural development D. Anasuya Seethakka and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka inaugurated a one megawatt (MW) solar power plant set up by the Chaitanya Self Help Group at Venkatapuram in Errupalem mandal of Khammam district. The plant was built at a cost of Rs 28.4 million (mn) and was described by officials as the first SHG owned project of its kind in the country. The inauguration was presented as an inspiration for women's economic participation. Seethakka said that development of women was the foundation for the state's progress and noted that the government had increased interest free loan limits for SHG women to one million (mn) from zero point five million (mn). She encouraged groups to establish petrol bunks, solar plants, Indiramma canteens and turmeric units for economic empowerment and indicated that distribution of Indiramma saris would soon follow. The comments framed the plant as part of a broader empowerment push. Vikramarka outlined plans under a pilot project to supply solar power to all villages in Bonakal mandal and announced that bank linkage loans totalling one trillion (tn) would be extended to self help groups during the tenure of the Congress government. He added that Rs 660 billion (bn) in interest free loans had already been extended in the first two years. He also noted that despite an increase in power demand to 18,480 MW from 15,000 MW supply was being maintained for domestic and industrial needs without power cuts. He urged farmers not to burn paddy stubble because of risks of fire accidents, pollution and soil damage and warned that action would be taken against violations in accordance with the law. Anila Vavilla, managing director of the Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation Ltd, said that the Chaitanya SHG was expected to earn about Rs 0.45 million (mn) per month, or around Rs 450,000, from the solar power plant. The event was presented as a model for community led renewable projects.