Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to Mission Shakti community support staff, the Odisha government on Monday announced that uniforms, identity cards and smartphones will be provided to them from April 1, coinciding with Utkal Divas.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also holds charge of the Mission Shakti department, said the move addresses a long-pending demand of community-level workers and aims to strengthen grassroots implementation of women-centric programmes across the state.
As part of the initiative, Community Resource Persons (CRPs) will be given smartphones to ensure wider and effective use of the LokOS app, a key digital platform supporting the Lakhpati Didi programme. Around 46,000 community support staff are expected to benefit from the scheme.
“The distribution of uniforms, ID cards and smartphones will enhance the identity, efficiency and digital connectivity of Mission Shakti workers,” Parida said while speaking to the media.
She added that the newly designed uniforms carry a distinct Odia artisanal touch, reflecting Odia Asmita (Odia pride). The colours and design elements of the attire have been chosen to symbolise the state’s cultural heritage.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the initiative would further empower women at the grassroots level and help Mission Shakti workers play a stronger role in livelihood promotion and community mobilisation.
