Odisha government launches interest-free loans of up to Rs 3 lakh for Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs)

As part of the Mission Shakti scheme, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has recently announced interest-free loans of up to Rs 3 lakh for Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) in the state. The initiative would benefit around 70 lakh women associated with six lakh SHGs. He also distributed financial assistance of Rs 3,000 each to six lakh WSHGs as part the state government’s efforts to digitally empower women. In a bid to strengthen the programme, the Odisha government has also decided to build ‘Mission Shakti Home’ in each gram panchayat across the state. Besides, the Odisha Chief Minister also announced incentives of Rs 500 per month for anganwadi workers and Rs. 200 for helpers.