Odisha govt creates Mission Shakti department for women

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced for creation of Mission Shakti department, which will be solely for Self Help Groups (SHGs).

The Chief Minister said the Mission Shakti department will work exclusively for the development of women in the state.

He said 70 lakh women are getting benefits under Mission Shakti and Mamata Scheme and 50 per cent reservation in Panchayati Raj has created a benchmark for socio-economic empowerment of women.

“Women’s success in fields ranging from sports to entrepreneurship is extremely encouraging,” said Patnaik.

The Chief Minister was addressing an event on International Women’s Day being held at Convention Centre Loka Seva Bhavan.

He said that the efforts, self-belief and success of the women of the state have been recognised worldwide.

The Chief Minister said women like sprint star Dutee Chand, litterateur Pratibha Ray and Bollywood actress Nandita Das, who have made the state proud.

The theme of the International Women’s Day this year is “I am generation equality; Realising women’s right”.