In a progressive move to empower women and amplify their impact within communities, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of Odisha has granted approval for the Mission Shakti Scooter Yojana. This visionary scheme aims to provide interest subvention on bank loans up to INR 1,00,000, facilitating the purchase of scooters by beneficiaries. The scheme specifically targets Mission Shakti Federation Leaders and Community Support Staff (CSS), equipping them with affordable access to two-wheelers to enhance their operational efficiency and extend their reach within the community.
Designed to foster women’s empowerment, the Mission Shakti Scooter Yojana is set to benefit approximately 75,000 members of SHGs (Self Help Groups) serving as Community Support Staff, along with nearly 1,25,000 federation leaders associated with SHGs. Over the next five years, the state government has allocated a substantial budgetary provision of INR 528.55 crore, ensuring the wide-reaching implementation of the initiative. By empowering a larger number of Community Support Staff and Executive Committee (EC) members across the state, the program seeks to strengthen the foundation of Mission Shakti and its transformative mission.
Beyond offering enhanced personal mobility to women, the scheme serves as a testament to the vital role played by Community Support Staff and EC members in driving social transformation and promoting women’s empowerment throughout Odisha. It acknowledges their significant contributions in fostering collective growth and social security, spanning crucial areas such as health, nutrition, sanitation, and gender.
Founded on the 8th of March 2001, by the visionary Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Mission Shakti stands as a state-sponsored program devoted to empowering women in Odisha through the Self Help Group approach. The program recognizes the pivotal role of SHGs and their federations in spearheading social action and effecting positive change. By providing a platform for women to achieve economic independence and embrace collective growth, Mission Shakti embodies the state’s unwavering commitment to elevate and empower women, heralding a brighter and more inclusive future.
Noteworthy at the helm of Odisha’s leadership, Governor Ganeshi Lal provides unwavering support to initiatives like Mission Shakti, furthering the state’s journey towards progress and gender equality.