Cuttack, June 13 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said his government is committed to empowering women and making them the strongest pillar of the state’s development.
Addressing the State-level Nari Shakti Samabesh at the historic Bali Yatra ground here, held to mark the completion of one year of his government, Majhi said the sole objective of the gathering is to recognize and enhance the power of women as the driving force behind Odisha's progress.
"This Nari Shakti Samabesh is the first programme of our second year in office. We firmly believe that unless half of the population—our women—are empowered, the state can never truly develop," he remarked.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that launching this initiative from the historical city of Cuttack would usher in a golden era for the mothers and sisters of Odisha.
Highlighting the government's flagship scheme for women empowerment, he described the Subhadra Yojana as the most transformative programme in the state’s history.
"Not just for women, such a massive social welfare scheme has not been implemented before," Majhi asserted.
He added that the scheme has reached every village and family, especially in remote tribal-dominated areas, where many women were previously unaware of government welfare programmes.
"Today, many women across Odisha are generating income for their families by using the Subhadra support, engaging in economic activities, and joint farming initiatives.
This scheme is a significant step toward making our mothers financially independent," Majhi said.
He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conceptualizing the Lakshapati Didi scheme to make women financially self-reliant.
"It is a matter of pride that Odisha ranks first in the country with over 16 lakh Lakshapati Didis,” the Chief Minister said.
Majhi further informed that government departments have collectively facilitated business opportunities worth Rs.3,695 crore for self-help groups (SHGs) this year—a record for the state.
“We have supported more than 3.07 lakh SHGs by refunding interest amounting to Rs.300 crore, helping them move closer to achieving their financial goals,” he noted.
He added that under the Chief Minister’s Sampurna Pushti Yojana (MSPY), arrangements are being made to provide nutritious food to ensure a healthy future for women and children.
“Odisha, as a model state in women’s empowerment, will serve as an inspiration for others,” he concluded.
Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo urged women to take a pledge to build a developed, prosperous, and proud Odisha.
Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida said the day’s celebration symbolized both respect for women and a renewed commitment to building an equitable and progressive Odisha.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Majhi, we will accelerate initiatives under the Subhadra Assistance Scheme and strengthen SHGs to ensure one Lakshapati Didi in every family and one crore Lakshapathi Didis across all panchayats in the coming year,” she said.
On the occasion, a coffee table book showcasing grassroots stories and photographs from the Poshan Abhiyan, implemented by the Women and Child Development Department, was released by the Chief Minister.
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