Odisha Deputy CM Pushes for More ‘Lakhpati Didis’

Bhubaneswar:22/2/26:A comprehensive review meeting between the Mission Shakti Department and the Odisha Livelihood Mission was held at the Mission Shakti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida. The meeting focused on evaluating branch-wise activities and district-level progress within the department

.During the session, Deputy Chief Minister Parida reviewed operations in each district in detail. Key discussions highlighted achievements in the current financial year, progress across various schemes, bank loans, interest subvention for self-help groups (SHGs), and initiatives aimed at transforming women into successful entrepreneurs and enhancing their incomes.

Addressing district-level officials, Dy CM Parida emphasised that the Mission Shakti Department has connected lakhs of women in Odisha to SHGs, empowering them economically, socially, and digitally. She noted that the department’s role goes beyond fostering self-reliance; it aims to cultivate women into thriving entrepreneurs and forward-thinking leaders in society. “Mission Shakti has evolved into a powerful movement for women’s empowerment, significantly improving their quality of life and contributing to the state’s economic growth,” she stated.

The Deputy Chief Minister outlined the government’s primary objective: to transform more women into ‘Lakhpati Didi’ (women earning lakhs annually) and ‘Mahalakhpati Didi’ through entrepreneurship development. For the upcoming financial year, she emphasised the need to focus on market linkages, skill development, training programs, financial assistance, and digital empowerment. These initiatives are set to provide SHG women with sustainable livelihoods and stronger economic stability.

The meeting also reviewed the fulfilment of targets for the current financial year. It established priorities for the next, focusing on further strengthening SHGs economically and establishing their members as entrepreneurs.

Attendees included Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sushri Manasi Nimbhal, Director Dr. Monika Priyadarshini, senior officials from the Mission Shakti Department and Odisha Livelihood Mission, as well as representatives from all districts.

This review meeting represents a significant step toward women’s empowerment, women-led development, and financial independence through the Mission Shakti initiative.