Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday said the State Government would increase the credit linkage for women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to Rs 1,000 crore this year to double the income of women of the State.
Addressing a Mahila Samavesh at the Exhibition Ground here marking the birth centenary of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik and 80 years of formation of Odisha as a separate State, Patnaik said the State Government has decided to double the credit limit for SHGs from Rs 500 crore to Rs 1000 crore from this year.
Patnaik said the Government is providing loan at one per cent interest to the women’s SHGs in the State.
‘I am sure this will certainly help the women groups to strengthen them economically’ said Patnaik. Describing the Mission Shakti programme a success, he said the scheme has included over 50 lakh women and it has brought changes in the life of people in villages.
‘The Mission Shakti programme is working as a silent movement for socioeconomic development,’ said Patnaik.
Informing that the women are facing difficulties following the demonetisation move by the Central Government, the Chief Minister said he had informed about it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to New Delhi. More than 20,000 women from across the State participated in the Mahasamavesh.
