Bhubaneswar, Sep 18: In a major push towards women empowerment and skill development, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced the signing of several strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) under the Mission Shakti initiative.

These agreements aim to enhance the economic resilience and vocational capabilities of over 1.63 lakh Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) across the state.

A financial grant of ₹110.97 crore has been sanctioned to facilitate bank loan repayments for these SHGs, marking a significant step in reducing financial burdens and promoting self-reliance among women entrepreneurs.

The state government has partnered with FICSI (Food Industry Capacity & Skill Initiative), telecom companies, and the Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India to offer specialized training programs. These include mobile phone repair, food processing, fruit juice production, and gem and jewellery craftsmanship. The National Commission for Women will also conduct self-defense training for girls, ensuring holistic development and safety.

Deputy CM Parida emphasized that these efforts align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Local for Vocal” campaign, aiming to make women economically independent and skilled across diverse sectors. She added, “Odisha’s women will now be equipped to lead in multiple industries, contributing to both household income and the broader economy.”

District-level implementation and monitoring will ensure that the benefits reach grassroots communities. The MoUs reflect Odisha’s commitment to inclusive growth and its vision to transform Mission Shakti into a national model for women-led development.