Amaravati, February 20, 2026: Andhra Pradesh's SERP Minister Kondapalli Srinivas informed the Legislative Assembly that significant financial irregularities occurred in DWCRA self-help groups from 2019 to 2024, including diversion of loans and savings, fake groups, and bogus accounts.
The minister highlighted misuse of ₹12.40 crore under Stree Nidhi (with partial recovery), overall non-performing assets at ₹237.30 crore (46% rate), removal of over 17,613 fake SHGs and 4.96 lakh bogus members, and 33 FIRs filed. Disciplinary steps targeted erring staff.
The government now enforces biometric authentication, DBT, geo-fencing, facial recognition, and a dedicated app to safeguard funds and restore trust in women's empowerment programs.
