Chennai: The Rural Development Department has issued instructions to give priority to women’s self-help groups (SHGs) while awarding contracts for rural development works.
Officials said the move is part of ongoing initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment, and is intended to enable women to take up contract works in rural local bodies.
As per the guidelines, SHGs registered with the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women can participate in tenders in their area for works valued below Rs 5 lakh. They can also undertake works where the total value does not exceed Rs 10 lakh.
The department has provided exemptions from contract-related fees for SHGs, along with priority in the contracting process. Registration fee exemptions have also been extended to women contractors.
Officials said women contractors and SHGs can use this opportunity to participate in government tenders in their local areas. Further details are available in the contractor registration guidelines issued by the Rural Development Department for contract works.
