- Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved the Mission Shakti Scooter Scheme, a scheme designed to provide interest subsidy to beneficiaries on bank loans up to Rs 1,00,000 to buy scooters.
- The initiative targets Mission Shakti federation leaders and community support staff, providing affordable access to two-wheelers. This is expected to increase their efficiency, effectiveness and reach within the community.
- The scheme aims to benefit about 75,000 community support staff members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and about 1,25,000 federation leaders associated with SHGs.
Mission Shakti
- It was launched on 8 March 2001 by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
- It is a state sponsored program that empowers women in Odisha through Self Help Group approach.
- The program emphasises the importance of SHGs and their federations in providing social security and driving social action in various areas such as health, nutrition, sanitation and gender-related issues.
- Mission Shakti provides a platform for women to achieve economic independence and promote collective development, furthering their empowerment in the society.