Odisha SHG Members to Receive Financial Boost for Uniforms

Odishas state government has approved financial assistance for self-help group members, providing Rs 1,000 to 70 lakh members and Rs 2,000 to 1.5 lakh leaders for purchasing uniforms and blazers, with a total budget of Rs 730 crore.

In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Odisha assembly elections, the state government has taken a significant step to empower women and support self-help groups (SHGs) in the state. On Friday, the government announced financial assistance of Rs 1,000 each to 70 lakh SHG members for uniforms, along with an additional Rs 2,000 each to 1.5 lakh SHG leaders for purchasing blazers.

Financial Assistance for SHG Members

The decision to provide financial assistance was approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. According to the plan, the state government will allocate a substantial amount of Rs 730 crore for this purpose. Chief Secretary P K Jena explained that the financial assistance will enable all 70 lakh SHG members across the state to purchase uniforms of their choice, as per their group's decision.

Empowering Women through Mission Shakti

Chief Minister Patnaik emphasized the importance of Mission Shakti, a women empowerment initiative, in transforming SHGs into powerful forces driving economic growth and social change. He highlighted the success of Mission Shakti as a vibrant model for women's empowerment in the country.

Boosting Women's Entrepreneurship

Department secretary Sujata R Karthikeyan spoke about the state government's commitment to women's empowerment through Mission Shakti, which has facilitated their entry into sunrise sectors and fostered economic independence. She also mentioned the investments made in SHG infrastructure and innovative convergence models among state departments, which have strengthened women's entrepreneurial efforts.

New Scholarship Scheme for Students

In addition to the financial assistance for SHG members, the Cabinet also approved the implementation of a new scholarship scheme called 'NUA-O Scholarship' for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Under this scheme, students across the state studying in state universities, government and non-government aided colleges, including aided Sanskrit colleges and unaided private colleges, will receive financial support. The scholarship amount ranges from Rs 9,000 per annum for boys to Rs 10,000 per annum for girls.

Higher Scholarship Rates for SC/ST Students and Children of Construction Workers

The chief secretary clarified that SC/ST students and children of construction workers pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate courses will receive scholarships at higher rates of Rs 10,000 and Rs 11,000 for male and female students, respectively. The scheme entails a total outlay of Rs 3701.08 crores over five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

Recruitment of Accountants-cum-Data Entry Operators

The Cabinet also gave its approval to a proposal to recruit accountant-cum-data entry operators for all gram panchayats, panchayat samitis, and districts in the state. The state government plans to create 7,142 such positions for all 6,794 gram panchayats, 314 panchayat samitis, and 30 districts in Odisha.

The Odisha government's initiatives to provide financial assistance to SHG members, launch a new scholarship scheme for students, and recruit accountant-cum-data entry operators demonstrate its commitment to empowering women, supporting education, and strengthening local governance. These measures are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of citizens and contribute to the overall development of the state.