BJP targets ruling-BJD over 'failure of women empowerment initiatives'

Bhubaneswar: Slamming the State government over failure of women empowerment programmes, the State unit of BJP today stressed on the need of making women of the State more self-sufficient and independent. BJP leader Aparajita Sarangi said that the State government has failed to ensure overall development and financial independence of women.

"When I was Mission Shakti director, money was being provided to women of the State. Even after 15 years, money is still being provided to them. There is a need to make them self-sufficient and independent," Sarangi said.

The Odisha government implemented 'Aahar' scheme on the footsteps of Tamil Nadu. "Why it is reluctant to implement other welfare programmes of Tamil Nadu?" she asked.

Responding to Sarangi, ruling-BJD spokesperson Sameer Das said the State government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 450 crore for women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and accordingly financial assistance is being extended to them.

"BJP is involved in a campaign against the BJD since 2014. As she is new to politics, I have nothing much to comment on that," said Sameer Das, BJD spokesperson.