Andhra Pradesh to Train Rural Women as Home Aides and Geriatric Caregivers

The Andhra Pradesh government is introducing a skill development programme to help rural women secure dignified employment and earn a stable income without migrating to other areas for work. The initiative will train women from self-help groups as home aides and geriatric caregivers, opening up opportunities in the growing care economy.

State Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Rural Poverty Alleviation and NRI Empowerment Kondapalli Srinivas announced the programme in a statement released on Friday. The initiative will be implemented through the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) to improve employment prospects for rural women.

Under the programme, eligible self-help group members will receive free residential training through Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs). The training aims to equip participants with the practical knowledge and professional skills required to provide care for elderly people and patients who are bedridden.

The curriculum will cover elderly care, personal hygiene, first aid and communication skills. Participants will also get opportunities to visit old-age homes, nursing homes and childcare centres to gain practical, on-the-ground experience in caregiving.

The programme will also include sessions on banking services, digital transactions and financial management to help women handle their earnings and manage their finances independently.

Minister Srinivas has directed district-level project directors of the District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) to identify interested self-help group members and coordinate their enrolment and training through RSETIs.

The government plans to expand the programme during the 2026–27 financial year, providing more rural women with opportunities to develop job-oriented skills and access local employment.

The initiative seeks to address the need for sustainable livelihoods in rural areas while preparing women for employment in the care sector, where trained professionals are increasingly needed to support elderly people and patients requiring assistance.

Srinivas urged rural women to take advantage of the programme, enhance their skills and work towards financial independence. The government aims to help them build stable livelihoods while reducing the need to leave their villages in search of employment.