Bhubaneswar, May 1 (UNI) The Odisha government is investing in skill development, market connectivity, and financial access to prepare women entrepreneurs for global competition, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Thursday.

Inaugurating the 100th anniversary of INWEC – ICC National Women's Entrepreneurship Council, organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Majhi said that events like the INWEC Women Business Mela will play a crucial role in making Odisha a hub for women-led development.

He emphasized that women will be key partners in building a prosperous Odisha by 2036, and the state government is committed to providing full support for this vision.

The Chief Minister urged every woman in Odisha to dream big and have the determination to realize those dreams. He added that the INWEC Women Business Mela will inspire women not only in Odisha but across India to become entrepreneurs.

Majhi highlighted the significant contribution of women to the economy, citing the success of schemes like Subhadra Yojana and Lakhpati Didi Yojana as shining examples.

He stated that the state government has set a target of creating 25 lakh Lakhpati Didis by 2027. "It is a matter of pride that 17 lakh women have already become Lakhpati Didis, and Odisha ranks first in the country in achieving this milestone," the CM said.

Odisha Minister for Industry, Skill Development, and Technical Education, Sampada Chandra Swain, said the event will further encourage Odia women entrepreneurs and pave the way for their financial independence.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries and MSME Department, Hemant Sharma, stated that women are being empowered through a blend of modern technology and traditional industries, effectively translating the state government's vision into reality.

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