Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards women’s economic empowerment, the Odisha government on Monday refunded over Rs 197.66 crore as interest reimbursement to 2.8 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under its ‘Interest Refund to SHGs’ programme. The fourth phase of the initiative was held at Mission Shakti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida addressing the gathering.
Speaking at the event, Parida said the state is focused on sustainable, livelihood-based economic models to make women self-reliant.
“Access to bank credit is helping SHG members expand their enterprises. With the interest burden reduced, their incomes and businesses are growing steadily,” she said.
Under the programme, the government has reduced the annual interest on loans up to Rs 10 lakh to zero percent and directly reimburses the entire amount to the bank accounts of SHG members.
Officials said that in the current financial year (2025–26), over Rs 515 crore has been reimbursed so far, benefiting thousands of women-led enterprises across the state.
The initiative has strengthened women-led businesses and boosted their contribution to Odisha’s overall economic growth. Reiterating the Union Budget announcement, Parida highlighted the expansion of the Lakhpati Didi (Millionaire Sister) Scheme and the SHE-Mart initiative for self-help enterprises. She said that cluster-level branding and market support would transform women into a strong and capable workforce.
In a major announcement, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that over 46,000 Community Resource Person (CRP) sisters will be provided smartphones, while all community support staff will receive new uniforms and identity cards.
Senior officials from the Mission Shakti Department, Odisha Livelihoods Mission, and representatives from various banks attended the programme in person, while district- and block-level officials and SHG members joined virtually.
Officials said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to empowering women economically and socially, helping them become self-reliant and capable of driving development at the grassroots level.
