IIM Sambalpur and World Skills Centre Partner to Empower Women in Odisha at Utkarsh Odisha Conclave

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark move to empower women in Odisha, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sambalpur, and the World Skills Centre to provide specialized training for women across various fields. The goal is to equip them with the necessary skills to become self-sufficient and thrive in the modern business landscape.

The MoUs were signed during a special session on women, titled ‘Subhadraru Mudra’, at the Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave. The signing ceremony was graced by the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, who expressed his strong commitment to empowering women and making Odisha a land of opportunity for them.

“We have initiated a world-changing initiative today to make Odisha a land of opportunity for women,” said Chief Minister Majhi. “Women are starting small businesses utilizing the assistance provided under the Subhadra Yojana. Considering today’s business needs, we have started an initiative to develop women’s skills and teach them how to conduct business in a modern system. The World Skills Center and IIM Sambalpur have extended their support for this endeavor,” he added.

According to the Chief Minister, more than 1.7 crore eligible beneficiaries have registered under the Subhadra Yojana, with over 80 lakh women having already received the first installment. The scheme is designed to promote gender equality and empower women by focusing on digital and financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills.

Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida highlighted that the Subhadra scheme has transformed the lives of over one crore women in Odisha. She emphasized that the initiative has been instrumental in promoting gender equality, ensuring women are equipped with the skills needed for a brighter future.

“The Subhadra Yojana has greatly improved the lives of women across the state, empowering them in the fields of entrepreneurship and leadership,” added Deputy Chief Minister Parida.

Minister of Schools and Mass Education, Nityanand Gond, described the Subhadra Yojana as the state’s largest women-centric initiative, which has been particularly successful in mainstreaming marginalized and tribal women. He praised the scheme for promoting both economic independence and leadership for women in Odisha.

Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Anu Garg, spoke about the inclusivity of the scheme, stressing that it aims to integrate all women in the state’s development programs. She described the Subhadra Yojana as a symbol of women empowerment in Odisha.

The event also included two thought-provoking seminars: ‘Credit Access for Women Entrepreneurs’ and ‘Market Connectivity for Women Entrepreneurs’. These sessions aimed to provide women with the knowledge and tools to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Shubha Sharma, moderated the seminars, where prominent officials, including Nikunj Bihari Dhal, Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister, Manisha Banerjee, Director of the Women and Child Development Department, and Monica Priyadarshini, Director of Mission Shakti, participated in the discussions.

The partnership between IIM Sambalpur and the World Skills Centre marks a significant step toward making women in Odisha self-reliant and capable of leading successful businesses. With the support of the Subhadra Yojana, the state is poised to create an ecosystem where women can excel in entrepreneurship and leadership, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of Odisha.