Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday inaugurated Gyana Darshan, a programme meant for members of Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women representatives of panchayats in the State, at a function at Rajgangpur.
Around 45,000 women in the State would be benefited under the scheme and the State Government has earmarked a budget of Rs 8 crore on this account.
Addressing a gathering at the Birsa Munda stadium here, Patnaik said, “With the launching of the Gyana Darshan, women would be given an opportunity to visit various locations, both in and outside the State, and gain better exposure in the society.” As many as 3,000 women SHGs would be provided a financial grant of `10,000 each towards purchasing of recreation and relaxation equipments, he said.
Among others, Panchayati Raj Minister Kalpataru Das, Commerce and Transport Minister Subrat Tarai, Rajya Sabha member Mangala Kisan, local MlA Sarada Nayak and Western Odisha Development Council chairperson Padmini Sekhar Deo also spoke.
Earlier, Patnaik laid the foundation-stone of a water purification centre, which would be developed at a cost of `181.33 crore for providing pure drinking water to the residents of Rajgangpur.