Empowering Women: Odisha Government Distributes Smartphones to Boost Community Programs

The Odisha government plans to distribute smartphones to 46,000 community resource persons under the Mission Shakti Department to support women-centric programs. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced uniforms and identity cards for staff, aiming to enhance program implementation. The initiative includes refunding interest on bank loans to self-help groups.

The Odisha government announced a significant boost to its women-centric programs by planning to distribute smartphones to approximately 46,000 community resource persons (CRPs) working under the Mission Shakti Department, as stated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

Coinciding with Utkal Divas, the government will also provide uniforms and identity cards to the community support staff to address their longstanding demands and strengthen grassroots program implementation. The distribution of smartphones aims to facilitate wider use of the LokOS app, essential for the Lakhpati Didi programme.

In an effort to enable women's empowerment and self-reliance, the state government is refunding interest on bank loans up to Rs 10 lakh, with the loan amount being credited directly to the bank accounts of women SHG members. This move aims to boost the economic initiatives of self-help groups by reducing the financial burden.