Odisha Empowers Mission Shakti Women with Smartphones, ID Cards, and Interest-Free Loans
Bhubaneswar: In a major step toward strengthening women-led development, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced that more than 46,000 Community Resource Person (CRP) sisters under Mission Shakti will soon receive smartphones.
Alongside this, all community support staff will be provided with new uniforms and official identity cards, giving grassroots workers a stronger sense of recognition and visibility.
The government also rolled out the fourth phase of interest reimbursement for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), releasing Rs 197.66 crore to 2,80,586 SHGs across the state.
Since the beginning of FY 2025–26, over Rs 515 crore has already been reimbursed, significantly reducing loan burdens and enabling women to expand livelihood activities.
Under Mission Shakti’s financial empowerment drive, SHG members can now access bank loans of up to Rs 10 lakh interest-free.
This initiative is expected to boost women-led enterprises, enhance self-reliance, and contribute to Odisha’s socio-economic growth.
The move aligns with national efforts such as the Union Government’s Lakhpati Didi scheme and SHE Mart clusters, reinforcing women’s empowerment as a sustainable economic force.
With these measures, Odisha continues to position women as central drivers of progress, ensuring they are equipped with tools, identity, and financial freedom to lead change.
