Bhubaneswar: Marking a significant overhaul of the Mission Shakti programme, the Odisha government on Monday announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening the identity and digital empowerment of women self-help group members across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Mission Shakti women will adopt a new, uniform dress code from April 1, coinciding with Utkal Dibas. Describing it as a symbolic fresh start, she said the initiative reflects the growing recognition of the role played by lakhs of women in driving grassroots development and economic activity in Odisha.
In another major decision, the government will provide smartphones and official identity cards to Mission Shakti members. The ID cards are expected to serve as formal recognition and help women coordinate more effectively with government departments, banks and other financial institutions.
Highlighting the importance of digital inclusion, Parida said access to smartphones will enable women to carry out financial transactions, use digital payment platforms, access welfare schemes and promote their self-help group activities more efficiently. She added that enhanced digital connectivity would further strengthen transparency, communication and enterprise management at the community level.
Officials said the new measures are part of a broader effort to modernise the Mission Shakti ecosystem and improve the functioning of women-led collectives. The initiatives are expected to deepen financial inclusion, enhance administrative efficiency and reinforce the state’s commitment to women-led development and self-reliance.