VIJAYAWADA: In a major push towards women’s economic empowerment, NTR District Collector G Lakshmisha inaugurated the RISE (Rural Incubation, Skilling & Entrepreneurship) Centre at Guntupalli on Saturday, aimed at transforming women into successful entrepreneurs. Since July, the RISE Centre has been training Self-Welfare Groups, providing free courses in computer literacy, MS Office, and digital marketing, while also supporting mothers with children through an adjacent ICDS centre. Lakshmisha interacted with women entrepreneurs, learning about their growth, challenges, and innovative ideas. ‘’For the first time in the state, the Central Government-led NITI Aayog has proposed setting up a RISE Centre in NTR District. The goal is to empower 5,000 women entrepreneurs annually, with up to 1,000 women already benefiting in Ibrahimpatnam mandal, he added.

Source: Indian Express January 18, 2026 10:27 UTC