Focus on Local Livelihoods to Curb Migration in Nuapada: District-Level Review Meeting on Mission Shakti and Odisha Livelihoods Mission Held

Nuapada, September 9: A district-level review meeting on various schemes and livelihood-related programmes being implemented under Mission Shakti and the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) was held at the conference hall of the Nuapada district headquarters under the chairmanship of District Collector Madhusudan Dash. The meeting reviewed the block-wise progress of various Mission Shakti and OLM initiatives, strengthening the livelihoods of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), economic empowerment of women and creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities for migrant workers and their families. The status of migrant workers and the impact of various livelihood interventions were also discussed in detail. According to the data presented at the meeting, 15,186 members from 5,925 migrant-worker families returned to the district in August 2025. In August 2026, 17,159 members from 6,557 families returned to Nuapada. Officials highlighted various economic and livelihood-based interventions aimed at reducing migration. It was also informed that 6,221 persons in the district have been identified under the category of ‘Aspirational Migration’. Besides, 249 women have been identified as ‘Maha Laxmi Didis’ in the district. District Collector Madhusudan Dash directed officials to work with greater responsibility and commitment so that the benefits of government schemes reach a larger number of families. He placed special emphasis on creating adequate local livelihood and employment opportunities to reduce dependence on migration and work towards making Nuapada a migrant-worker-free district. On the occasion, Belamati Majhi and Dalimb Rana, who have become self-reliant through Self-Help Groups, were felicitated. Sharing their experiences, both women narrated their journey from being migrant workers to becoming economically independent through livelihood opportunities provided through SHGs. The meeting was attended by Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad Lambodar Dharua, District Project Coordinator Sunil Kumar Mallik, Lead Bank Manager Harishankar Nial, along with Block Project Coordinators and officials from all blocks.