Women SHG Members In Odisha To Collect Water Cess Under Jalasathi

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated the ‘Jalasathi' programme in Bhubaneswar, an initiative to engage women SHG members under Mission Shakti for collection of water cess. The CM also launched Jalasathi App during the event.

The project, which was inaugurated at the railway auditorium, will be implemented in seven wards of the capital city on a pilot basis & in other places across the State in subsequent phases.

The Jalasathis and Housing & Urban Development will work together to collect the water cess and ensure availability of pure water in urban areas.

"It is a happy moment for us as women members of Mission Shakti will now get chance to extend help to people through this programme," said CM Naveen who paid Rs 593 as water cess of his own official residence to kick off the campaign.

As per reports, nearly 6,000 to 8,000 women will work under the programme and for their training the State government has earmarked an amount of Rs 2 crore, informed Mission Shakti Director, Sujata Karthikeyan.

"The programme will ensure involvement of women members in providing clean water. It has been launched in Bhubaneswar for now and later it will be extended to other parts of the State," said Karthikeyan.

During the event, a MoU was signed between Water Corporation of Odisha Limited (WATCO) and Mission Shakti's area level federation.

"We have been trained on how to check presence of chemicals in water and collection of water bills," said a Jalasathi, Mamata Rath.