Women in Odisha are waiting for a big-ticket announcement from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on May 29.
Patnaik, who especially thanked women community after getting a landslide victory in the State Assembly elections, is likely to make the women folks happy with big bonanza, feel many in the BJD.
During Patnaik’s entire election campaign, women flocked to see and support the BJD supremo in a big way and he strongly feels that they voted for his party in a determined manner.
Therefore, Patnaik considers it his duty and responsibility to express his thanks to the women community by doing something significant to please and honour them.
With an endearing elder sister, Gita Mehta, present in the Naveen Niwas, Patnaik is inclined to announce a big bonanza for the women in the State, insiders say.
During the election campaign, Patnaik in the BJD election manifesto had announced that Government work worth Rs 5,000-crore would be provided to the Self Help Groups (SHGs) every year under Mission Shakti.
"As women are the real double engines of growth, BJD's manifesto for them promises Rs 5,000 crore of work to further strengthen Mission Shakti, which will give them a profit of Rs 500 crore," the Chief Minister had said.
Patnaik had also promised to provide accidental insurance facility for every member of the SHGs and zero-interest loan up to Rs 5 lakh to all SHGs.
The State Government had initiated Mission Shakti programme in 2001 to strengthen women’s social and financial status.Till date, more than 70 lakh women in the State are playing active role through 6.25 lakh Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs).
That apart, such WSHGs have also formed 370 block- and district-level federations with their strength increasing day by day.
And most importantly, with senior-most WSHG leader Pramila Bisoyi being elected with huge margin from Aska Lok Sabha seat, it has energised them in a big way.
Patnaik had promised to hike medical assistance for women under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
He had also promised to provide free education for girls from KG to college level, including medical and engineering courses, if BJD came out with flying colours at the hustling.
Besides, Patnaik had made another important promise in his party’s election manifesto: To provide marriage assistance of Rs 25,000 to poor families.
So a pleased Chief Minister may, in all probability, make an announcement of a comprehensive package for women on May 29, the day he re-assumes power as Chief Minister for the fifth time in a row, sources said.