Mission Shakti and Odisha Livelihoods Mission Review Held in Nuapada: Collector Emphasises Creation of Lakhpati Didis, Bank Linkages and Livelihood Support for Migrant Families

Nuapada, July 9: A district-level review and planning meeting on various schemes being implemented under Mission Shakti and the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) was held on Thursday at the district headquarters conference hall under the chairmanship of Nuapada Collector Madhusudan Dash. The meeting reviewed block-wise progress of different Mission Shakti and OLM programmes across the district. Out of 9,271 active Self-Help Groups (SHGs), profiles of 9,053 SHGs (98%) have been updated, while among 982 active Cluster Level Federations (CLFs), profiles of 970 CLFs (99%) have been updated. The Collector directed officials to complete the remaining updates and achieve 100 percent coverage at the earliest. Under the Lakhpati Didi programme, the district has achieved significant success, with 36,956 women identified as Lakhpati Didis against a target of 37,536, achieving 98 percent progress. For the Maha Lakhpati Didi initiative, 118 women have been identified against a target of 100. The Collector stressed the need to transform more women into Lakhpati Didis during the current year to strengthen their economic self-reliance. In the area of bank linkage, 1,368 loan applications have been forwarded to banks during the current financial year, and 1,037 SHGs have received loans amounting to approximately Rs 52.17 crore. The Collector instructed officials to enhance coordination with banks for speedy disposal of pending applications. To reduce migration and strengthen local livelihoods, the district provided financial assistance of Rs 73.60 lakh to 330 migrant families during the month of June, the review revealed. The meeting further noted that out of 51 Mission Shakti Retail Marts, construction work has been completed for 47 marts, while 10 out of 35 GPLF buildings have been completed. The Collector directed officials to complete the remaining projects within the stipulated timeline. On the occasion, Thandhabai Sahu of Kuliabandha village was felicitated for becoming a successful example of self-reliance. Earlier a migrant labourer, she has established a sustainable livelihood in her village with the support of Mission Shakti and OLM. Similarly, Sunita Sahu of Amsena village, a successful Lakhpati Didi, was also honoured. The meeting was attended by Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Lambodar Dharua, District Project Coordinator Sunil Kumar Mallick, Lead Bank Manager Harishankar Nial, all Block Project Coordinators, and officials from various departments.