To empower poor women, Andhra Pradesh will give land to 69,500 women from landless families under its land distribution programme, reports The Indian Express. These women in 23 districts will get 2.5 acres of wet land or 5 acres of dry land, which ever they chose.

The state will also give them monetary help to start cultivation. Chief Commissioner (Land Administration) Pankaj Dwivedi said on Monday, "We have decided to make women land owners because they have more affinity to their land, they are better custodians, can assert themselves and prevent land from being alienated in case men decide to mortgage, sell or dispose off the land. Hailing from extremely poor backgrounds, this will also help empower the women."

He added that the records, title deeds, 'pattas' and sketches of land identified for each beneficiary are currently being prepared and will be handed over to them in a phased manner. The women will also be helped by the Self Help Groups (SHGs) which are doing so well in Andhra.

"Just giving them land does not serve the purpose, so we are providing an economic package to start with. This package has been designed keeping in mind the needs and requirements of each beneficiary. They should be able to utilize the land in a way that optimises their income. We have designed the packages to suit individual requirements so that the land does not go waste."

Of the 1,00,600 acres to be distributed, 52,000 acres will got to SC/STs and BCs. Chief Minister K Rosaiah said, "We have to ensure that the beneficiaries start sustainable cultivation and what is more important is that the family's income goes up considerably. Only then will this entire exercise help in poverty alleviation. We have urged banks to provide loans without any hassles as the state government stands as guarantor."