Odisha Cabinet Approves Financial Aid for Mission Shakti Members’ Uniforms and Blazers

Bhubaneswar: In a move to support the empowerment initiatives under Mission Shakti, the Odisha Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, approved a proposal on Friday to provide financial assistance for uniforms and blazers to the members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Executive Committees (EC), and Management Committees (MC).

As per the decision, a total of 70 lakh SHG members will receive assistance of Rs 1000 each for uniforms, while 1.5 lakh EC and MC members will be provided Rs 2000 each for blazers.

Mission Shakti, spearheaded by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has been instrumental in empowering women and reshaping their societal roles, transforming SHGs into influential forces for economic growth and social change.

Under the state’s 5T initiative, Mission Shakti has emerged as a vibrant model for women’s empowerment in the country.

The commitment of the State Government to women’s empowerment through Mission Shakti has facilitated their entry into sunrise sectors, promoting economic independence. Investments in SHG infrastructure and innovative convergence models among state departments have further strengthened women’s entrepreneurial endeavors.

During its meeting, the Cabinet approved financial assistance for the provision of uniforms for all 70 lakh SHG members and over 1.5 lakh EC members of Gram Panchayat Level Federations (GPLFs), Block Level Federations (BLFs), and District Level Federations (DLFs), as well as MC members of Area Level Federations (ALFs) under Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The budgetary allocation for this initiative during the fiscal year 2023-24 is Rs. 730 crore.

Financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 per SHG member will be provided for the purchase of uniforms, allowing members to choose as per their group decision. Similarly, a financial assistance of Rs. 2000 per EC member of GPLFs, BLFs & DLFs / MC members of ALFs under Mission Shakti will be extended for the purchase of blazers of their choice. The amount will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of SHGs and Federations.