OLM–IIT Bhubaneswar Pact to Boost Rural Women Entrepreneurs

Bhubaneswar, June 8: Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Bhubaneswar to empower rural women entrepreneurs under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).

The agreement, formalised at Mission Shakti Bhawan, aims to strengthen women-led enterprises through incubation support provided by IIT Bhubaneswar.

Under the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), at least 150 rural businesses will be incubated over three years.

The Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned Rs 10.70 crore for the initiative, with Rs 99 lakh released to IIT Bhubaneswar in the first phase.

IIT Bhubaneswar will guide Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in business planning, product development, quality improvement, market linkages, finance access, and networking.

The institute will also assist SHGs in securing Udyam registration, certifications, and patents, enabling them to evolve into small and medium enterprises.

Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida hailed the partnership as a milestone toward “Viksit Odisha,” emphasising that rural women entrepreneurs will now be able to market their products nationally and globally.

The signing ceremony was attended by officials from Mission Shakti, OLM, IIT Bhubaneswar, and SHG members across Odisha.