In yet another sop to woo women supporters, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday announced to provide loan of Rs 1,000 crore through banks during the current financial year covering one lakh Women Shelf Help Groups as part of their economic empowerment.
According to official sources, while it has been decided to provide bank loans to the Women Shelf Help Group at an interest rate of seven per cent, in the IAP areas, the Shelf Help Group would be given the loan at a lower rate of 4 per cent. The sources said that the Chief Minister directed the Panchyati Raj authorities to prepare a time-bound plan for disbursement of the loans in favour of the SHGs by involving banks.
Besides, for proper utilisation of the funds, the Chief Minister also asked the authorities to provide training to the members of the Shelf Help Groups. Accordingly, two lakh members with two each form the targeted one lakh Shelf Help Groups would be given training.