Odisha govt launches Mission Shakti Scooter Yojana

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet has approved the groundbreaking “Mission Shakti Scooter Yojana” today.

Recognizing the significance of mobility in empowering individuals, this initiative aims to provide essential mobility support to Community Support Staff (CSS) and Executive Committee (EC) members of Self Help Group (SHG) federations by enabling them to own scooters.

Eligible individuals will enjoy full interest subvention on bank loans of up to Rs 1 lakh to purchase a scooter of their preference, making the shift towards sustainable mobility more accessible and affordable than ever before.

To bolster the Mission Shakti SHGs at the grassroots, a well-structured federation ecosystem has been established, extending from panchayat to district levels.

The leaders of SHG federations and Community Support Staff play a crucial role in offering services such as training, financial inclusion, livelihood promotion, and market linkage, all contributing significantly to women’s empowerment. In recognition of their dedication, the State Government has introduced an “Interest-Free Loan for the purchase of Scooter by Mission Shakti Federation Leaders and CSS,” further empowering them in their roles.

By granting affordable access to two-wheelers, the initiative seeks to enhance the efficiency and outreach of Mission Shakti Federation Leaders and CSS within the community, enabling them to carry out their responsibilities more effectively.

The scheme covers approximately 75,000 Community Support Staff (CSS), including Community Resource Persons for Community Mobilization, Master Book Keepers, Prani Mitra, Krushi Mitra, Bank Mitra, Livelihood Support Persons, Community Resource Persons for Enterprise Promotion, Udyog Mitra, Business Development Service Providers, and SHG members acting as Business Correspondent Agents.

Additionally, the scheme will benefit nearly 1,25,000 Federation Leaders, comprising Executive Members and Office Bearers of GP/Ward Level Federation, Block Level Federation (BLF)/City Level Federation, and District Level Federation (DLF).

With a dedicated budget of Rs 528.55 crore allocated for the next five years, Mission Shakti aims to make this scheme widely accessible, empowering more Community Support Staff and EC members across the State.

The “Mission Shakti Scooter Yojana” not only facilitates personal mobility for women but also acknowledges the indispensable role played by Community Support Staff and EC members in driving social change and fostering women’s empowerment throughout the state.