The Mission Shakti, which began in 2001, has today become a mass movement of 70,000 empowered women in Odisha, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik addressing women entrepreneurs at the Make in Odisha (MIO) Conclave here on Saturday.
“Women empowerment is not a mere slogan for my Government. It is a non-negotiable code. I strongly believe that without empowering women, any family, any society, any State or country can’t progress,” Patnaik said.
“In Odisha, 6 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are functional. The State Government’s aim is to convert the SHGs into SMEs,” he said.
To strengthen the Mission Shakti federations, revolving funds of Rs 1 crore would be provided to them at the district level and Rs 50 lakh at the block level. At the panchayat level, market complexes and office rooms would be constructed.
Besides, in all 30 districts, micro, mini industrial parks would be set up, announced the CM.