Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the inaugural function of the 100th anniversary of INWEC (ICC National Women’s Entrepreneurship Council) at the Exhibition Grounds in Bhubaneswar. He termed the fair a ‘Festival of Nari Shakti’ and emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment in Odisha’s development.
The Chief Minister said that every woman in Odisha should dream big and work towards making those dreams a reality. He added that INWEC would inspire women not only in Odisha but across India to become entrepreneurs. He highlighted the significant role women played in the Make in Odisha Conclave and Subhadra Shakti Mela.
CM Majhi mentioned that women empowerment is not just a slogan but a movement and resolution for the state government. He cited the success of Subhadra Yojana and Lakhpati Didi Yojana, saying that over 90% of women have benefited from Subhadra Yojana and 17 lakh women have become Lakhpati Didi, with the target of creating 25 lakh Lakhpati Didi by 2027.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Odisha has secured the first place in the country in creating Lakhpati Didi. He said that the government is investing in skill development, market connectivity, and financial access to prepare women entrepreneurs for global competition.
Minister for Industries, Skill Development, and Technical Education, Sampada Chandra Swain, said that the gathering would encourage women entrepreneurs and pave the way for future financial independence. Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and MSME Department, Hemant Sharma, highlighted the state’s vision of empowering women with modern technology and traditional industries.
The event was attended by ICC Chairperson Rajiv Sahu, In-Week Co-Convenor Swati Kejriwal, ICC Vice Chairperson Preeti Pallavi Patnaik, and Convener Dharmaditya Patnaik, among others.
