Parallel relief fund for Odisha women SHGs invites Opposition wrath

The Opposition is up in arms against the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led Odisha government over its decision to create a relief fund for the women Self Help Groups (SHG) parallel to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).

As per reports, the said relief fund will be created to provide financial assistance to the next of kin of the women SHG members in case of their death due to ailments or accidents.

While, the CMRF provides relief to all citizens of Odisha who are in need including women, a separate relief fund specially for the 70 lakh-strong SHG members is looked upon by the Opposition as a ploy to influence women voters before the 2024 general elections and to swindle money.

While the Congress said there is absolutely no need to create another relief fund parallel to the CMRF, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the other hand termed it as another ploy to swindle money.

“The BJD has identified women SHG members as its vote bank. From the administrative point of view, it is wrong to create another relief fund. Apart from the CMRF, the district collectors have the Red Cross fund with them to be used for the same purpose. If a new relief fund is created for women, then who will manage it, and who will be the sanctioning authority,” questioned Congress leader, Bijay Patnaik.

“The Odisha government is involved in all types of illegal works only to fulfil its political agenda. They (State Govt) are all set to swindle more money. But the BJP will not let them go scot-free. We will launch protests and make them pay for their sins,” said Odisha BJP chief, Manmohan Samal.

The ruling BJD however, played it down and urged the Opposition not to jump to the conclusion so early. Speaking to the reporters, senior BJD leader, Debi Prasad Mishra said, “The Opposition should wait till the law is formulated. The motive behind the fund is undoubtedly good. They should not criticise even before its structure is finalised.”

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Bhubaneswar MP, Aparajita Sarangi slammed the State government over lacklustre performance of the SHGs due to the non-availability of work for the women members. She termed it as the failure of Mission Shakti.

Speaking at a public meeting at Rajnagar in Kendrapara, Sarangi said, “The purpose of Mission Shakti was to provide work to all the members of the SHGs. Only cosmetic things in the form of lights and roads won’t suffice. The people need basic things.”

To this, Revenue Minister Pramila Mallik replied, “Sarangi should have said this when she herself was the Director of Mission Shakti."