A six-day awareness drive on the PEETHA (People’s Empowerment-Enabling Transparency and Accountability of Odisha Initiatives) scheme began on Tuesday at Khariar by the local NAC.
The objective is to make people aware about different welfare schemes of the State Government through advertisements in public address system, audio visual programmes, distribution of leaflets and banners etc. Camps have been organised at three places in Khariar town for these activities," said NAC Executive Officer Kishore Sahu.
The Self-Help Groups of Khariar are participating in the camps and selling local Peethas (cakes) made in their homes. "It is a good idea to organise such camps for creating market for local traditional foods. We thank the Government for creating such opportunities for us," said members of the Annapurna SHG.
Over 20 groups participated in the camps in the first two days. "The attraction in past two days was Arisa and Manda Peethas," said Labanga Panda of the Annapurna SHG. "All other SHGs of Khariar will attend the camps in remaining four days," informed Sanjukta Panda, who is in charge of welfare schemes and women empowerment programme of the NAC.
LED bulbs, pensions and financial support under the NFBS are also provided to eligible beneficiaries.
The NAC staffs under the leadership of the Executive Officer are engaged in monitoring the activities in the camps. Urban Development Department Joint Director Sushanta Sahu and Sitaram Patel attended the programme as State observers. The Nuapada ADM had also attended it on the first day.