Bhubaneswar, Feb 27: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the Mission Shakti loan scheme during a gathering at Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Center in Bhubaneswar, targeting 70 lakh self-help group (SHG) women in Odisha. Under this initiative, women can avail interest-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh. Additionally, support in the form of uniforms and blazers was announced for Mission Shakti members, along with a repayment scheme for an amount totaling Rs 145 crore.

In his address, the Chief Minister expressed his enthusiasm for Mission Shakti, highlighting his administration's ongoing commitment to the well-being and empowerment of women. He noted the substantial financial assistance of Rs 8,000 crore extended to Mission Shakti Maa for entrepreneurial ventures, emphasizing women's participation in various government programs and the formation of Nua Odisha. He commended the program's expansion beyond regional boundaries, with women from SHGs embarking on exposure trips to international destinations like Dubai and Singapore.

Highlighting the transition of SHG women into small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Patnaik allocated Rs 730 crore for uniforms and blazers, aiming to facilitate their entry into the corporate sphere. He announced the launch of Mission Shakti Bazaars to promote products made by women under the program, with plans to establish 5,000 such bazaars and retail outlets statewide over the next five years.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister disclosed plans to secure bank loans totaling Rs 15,000 crore for Mission Shakti Maa this year, with a total disbursement target of Rs 75,000 crore over the next five years. The initiative allows Odisha's women to access interest-free bank loans up to Rs 10 lakh, with the state government undertaking the interest repayment burden, thereby alleviating financial constraints for Mission Shakti participants. Patnaik emphasized the pivotal role of Mission Shakti Maa in the state's development journey.

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