In a First, Odisha Creates Exclusive Department for SHGs

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark decision to further empower the women in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen annonunced creation of Mission Shakti Department, which will work exclusively for the development of the women and self-help groups (SHGs).

The Chief Minister made this historic announcement on the occasion of International Women’s Day today.

Speaking at a special event on International Women’s Day held at Lok Seva Bhawan here, the Chief Minister said that Odisha is the leading State in the country in women empowerment.

He said, “Over 70 lakh women are getting benefits under Mission Shakti and Mamata Scheme and 50 per cent reservation in Panchayati Raj has created a benchmark for socio-economic empowerment of women. Women’s success in fields ranging from sports to entrepreneurship is extremely encouraging.”

The State Government has introduced an independent Nutrition Budget which will focus will be on mother-child nutrition, the CM said.

Speaking on this year’s theme of Women’s Day of ‘I am Gender Equality’, Naveen said “Women like Dutee Chand, Pratibha Ray, Nandita Das have brought name and fame for Odisha across the world. They are an inspiration for all women and epitomise women empowerment.”