Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Sunday conducted a comprehensive review of district-level activities under the Mission Shakti Department, focusing on the performance of various schemes during the current financial year.
The review covered progress in implementation of government schemes, disbursement of bank loans, interest subvention for self-help groups (SHGs), and measures undertaken to promote women entrepreneurship and enhance income generation. The Deputy Chief Minister assessed district-wise achievements and directed officials to ensure timely execution of ongoing initiatives.
Addressing district-level officers, Parida stated that Mission Shakti has emerged as a transformative platform for women’s empowerment in Odisha. She highlighted that lakhs of women across the state have joined self-help groups and achieved financial, social, and digital empowerment through sustained institutional support.
She noted that the department has not only helped women become self-reliant but has also enabled them to grow into successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. “Mission Shakti has evolved into a strong movement for women’s empowerment, contributing significantly to the economic development of the state while improving the socio-economic conditions of women,” she said.
Emphasising the government’s vision, the Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that creating more women entrepreneurs and increasing the number of ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and ‘MahaLakhpati Didi’ beneficiaries remains a key priority. She informed that in the next financial year, special focus will be given to strengthening market linkages, capacity building, skill development training, financial assistance, and digital empowerment.
“These measures will ensure sustainable livelihoods and further strengthen the financial position of women self-help groups,” she added.
The meeting also reviewed the targets set for the current financial year and outlined priorities for the upcoming fiscal year to consolidate the financial and entrepreneurial growth of SHGs across districts.
The review meeting was attended by Mansi Nimbhal, Commissioner-Secretary of the Mission Shakti Department; Director Dr. Monica Priyadarshini; senior officials of the Mission Shakti Department and Odisha Livelihood Mission; along with district-level officers.
