Odisha Govt Inks MoU for Capacity Building of Mission Shakti SHGs in Solid Waste Management

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Housing and Urban Development Department today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Urban Management Centre of Ahmedabad for capacity building of Mission Shakti Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in solid waste management in the State.

The Department has planned for a structured capacity building of the Mission Shakti SHGs by creating a pool of trainers and mentors, besides strengthening the capacities of urban local body functionaries engaged in sanitation-related work.

The MoU was signed by H&UD Department Principal Secretary G. Mathivathanan and UMC Director Manvita Baradi in presence of H&UD Minister Pratap Jena.

Speaking on the occasion, Housing and Urban Development Minister Pratap Jena said, “Odisha is a leading state in prioritizing solid waste management in line with the sustainable development goal of making cleaner cities and has bagged a number of national as well as international recognitions for its sustained effort in this regard”.

“Our state has envisioned 100% waste management and has created wealth centres that convert the waste collected from the households into wealth,” the Minister said.

The State is prioritizing systematic investments for the development of Mission Shakti SHGs to address poverty and vulnerability of marginalized section of the community by giving them a voice and agency so that they can access opportunities and entitlements to improve their lives and livelihoods.

Over the last two decades, nearly 6,00,000 Mission Shakti SHGs have been formed in Odisha, which includes membership and participation of nearly 70 lakh women.

Mission Shakti SHG members are also engaged as Jal Sathi, managing Ahaar Kendra, engaged as Swachha Sathi and Swachha Supervisors, and transporting waste by driving battery-operated vehicles, Minister Jena added.

Department secretary G Mathivathanan highlighted the purpose of MoU being signed today.

The Housing and Urban Development Department has planned for a structured capacity building of the Mission Shakti SHGs by creating a pool of trainers and mentors, besides strengthening the capacities of ULB functionaries engaged in sanitation related work, he added.