The decision was announced by Mission Shakti Secretary, Sujata Karthikeyan while discussing with Panchayati Raj (PR) representatives of the State.
The women will be provided with training to work as linewomen which will begin next year.
That apart, a State level federation will be formed for the Mission Shakti women. It is slated to be created within 12 months.
“They are already engaged in electricity metre reading and bill collection works, and the feedback we get from DISCOMS about their performance is encouraging. It made us think to go a level up and train eligible women to work as linewomen as well,” Karthikeyan said.
“Because they collect electricity bills, consumers call them to sort out electricity disruption issues they face. And their dependability has increased manifold in recent times. I am sure they will work as good linemen as well,” she asserted.
Pertinent to mention here that it was decided in October 2021 to not engage agencies for collection of electricity bills. Various women Self Helf Groups (SHGs) members have since been engaged for the collection of electricity bills in different parts of the State.
Such a success story has been reported from Palasada village under Nuapada district’s Boden block, where a group of 10 diligent women joined hands to create a business model which is now providing them handsome returns.
The members of Saraswati Self Help Group (SHG) have opened a hotel at their village in Palasada where they serve fried snacks made out of Ragi flour (Millet). From potato cutlet to Samosa and even pakode, the hotel serves all the Odia delicacies to its customers, but with a twist. The ragi flour snacks have already garnered much attention from the locality.
However, the situation was different earlier. Prior to this, the women were jobless and having financial issues. One fine day, Millet Mission came knocking on their doors and they found a real platform on which they honed their skills. They were trained on food processing by the District Palli Vikash Institution.
Narrating their story, one of the SHG members, Sapur Behera said, “As we could not get any work here, we decided to open a hotel in the village. People are happy and our snacks are in huge demand here.”
Similarly, another SHG member, Santoshini Thakur said that they are financially independent now and they can even save some money for their future.
The group is also engaged in preparing several packaged food products made from Ragi and other grains, which has now become quite popular in the district.
Palli Vikash Institution’s Chief, Suresh Kumar Rout said, “Their products are good. It has managed to garner good demand from the public. I hope they will expand their market to other regions of the State in the future.”
Sharing their achievement, the District Chief Agriculture Officer, Niranjan Das said, “Mission Shakti has helped them a lot. The group has been provided with a financial assistance of Rs 30,000. The hotel at Palsada is doing quite well and I am happy with their efforts.”
Odisha Millets Mission is a flagship programme of the State Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment. As a special programme for promotion of millets in tribal areas of Odisha, the Odisha Millets Mission was launched in the State in 2017.
A meeting was held by the Chief Minister's Office earlier on August 12, 2021 to review the progress on provisioning services and procurement of goods through Mission Shakti SHGs by different Departments.
As per reports, as many as 19 government departments have been tasked for capacity building of the SHGs under Mission Shakti department. And, the departments reprimanded for lagging behind include the SC & ST Development, Handlooms Textile & Handicrafts, Forest & Environment Departments. The Panchayatiraj Department has also been cautioned to improve its performance in awarding work orders to the SHGs.
The government directed the Food Supply Department to include SHGs of all the districts for paddy procurement and distribution of PDS ration through SGHs. The departments have been directed to engage more and more SHGs in fish farming, mushroom farming, uniform supply, and electricity bill collection.
Mission Shakti Minister, Tukuni Sahu said, "Women are not confined to making pickles, dumplings and papads. Rather they are spreading their wings to farming and field jobs. The focus of our department lies only on their development."
Acting on the order, The Housing and Urban Development Department planned for a structured capacity building of the Mission Shakti SHGs by creating a pool of trainers and mentors.
The department signed an MoU with the Urban Management Centre, Ahmedabad, a globally recognised not-for-profit organisation with expertise in professional urban management.
While the State is prioritizing systematic investments for the development of Mission Shakti (SHGs) to address poverty and vulnerability of marginalized section of the society, Opposition parties cried foul terming it as an eyewash and a bait for the upcoming Panchayat polls to attract the woman voters.
President of BJP Mahila Morcha, Smruti Pattnaik said, " these work orders will never benefit the women. The contractors will skim all the cream from the top and the women will be left with a mere commission."
She went on to add, "It is a ploy to woe woman voters towards the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the upcoming Panchayat polls. Women have been used by the BJD as a commodity," alleged Pattnaik.
Similarly, Congress leader Mamata Kundu said, " Women should be given access to market and raw materials too. Only a small fund for business setup is more of a bait to win over their trust for the next polls."
It is pertinent to mention here that as per the decision taken in the first Cabinet, government business worth Rs 5,000 cr will be provisioned through SHGs over a period of five years.
The women members have claimed that as per the direction of the Brahmagiri MLA Sanjay Das Burma the Mission Shakti programme is being carried out in the block. Besides, they also alleged that office bearers of the Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) were selected on the basis of party affiliation and reference of Burma.
“In Brahmagiri block, under the Odisha livelihood mission (OLM), wives and relatives of sarpanch and samiti members are selected as office bearers. Therefore, if someone wants to work in an SHG, she has to be a slave of the MLA,” alleged Sasmita Sahu, president of the Shaktirupa SHG during Mission Shakti convention on Saturday.
Some others alleged that the women SHGs are forced to work under political pressure.
“The women in the State are in distress. Whatever is happening is under pressure,” stated Nirupama Das, a resident of Brahmagiri.
On the other hand, BJP leader Aparajita Sarangi alleged that the State government had asked authorities to provide seed money to SHGs by October 15 but there has been a delay of three months. Sarangi also raised questions on the number of SHGs in the State.
Meanwhile, OPCC Chief Niranjan Patnaik said the ruling party is trying to buy votes by providing financial assistance. “CM wants to give Rs 1,500 every woman member of the SHG and is trying to garner vote with through that,” Patnaik said.
Expressing similar views, BJP leader KV Singhdeo said, “Keeping polls in mind, the Chief Minister is trying to win over women voters.”
Declining the charges, BJD spokesperson, Sameer Das, said, “Information on the government schemes is available on the website. The allegations are being made to mislead people of the state."
Despite repeated attempts, comments from the Brahmagiri MLA could not be obtained.
Official sources said, the Mission Shakti programme run by the State government for economic upliftment of poor women in rural Odisha was merged with Women and Child Development (WCD) department. It has been rechristened as WCD & Mission Shakti department.
The main aim behind such a move is to empower more women in the social and economic sectors, an official stated. A new directorate will be created to run the department, officials added.
Similarly, the Cabinet approved to change the name of Panchayati Raj department to Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water department. The sources added, the new department, along with the previous responsibilities, will be able to effectively handle the water scarcity issues across the State.
Besides, the Cabinet gave its go ahead for the merger of General Administration department and Grievance Cell to create Grievance and Pension Administration department.
The Cabinet chaired by chief minister Naveen Patnaik also approved to provide 200 acre land at concessional rate to Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER) to be set up in Berhampur.
As per the announcement, Rs 169 crore will be provided for construction of 338 block level Mission Shakti federation buildings which will be called Mission Shakti Bhawan.
The government has announced Rs 84.50 crore Revolving Fund and Rs 200 crore interest subvention for repayment of loans of Self Help Groups to help the Mission Shakti members in business.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that Mission Shakti is a huge institution encompassing around 70 lakh mothers and is a major development force of Odisha. Expressing confidence in their skills, the Chief Minister said, 'You go ahead, I am with you.
He congratulated the Mission Shakti's members for doing a remarkable job during Covid crisis.
The Chief Minister said that the Mission Shakti Bhawan for Self Help Groups at the block level will train mothers, open sales centres for products and review their own programmes.
Liberal financial assistance flows from the Government to a Group from the beginning. This has improved liquidity in rural families – a situation that was never so good before. Community Investment Fund is a huge amount of money for a Group to take up worthwhile viable programmes. After a Group has established itself, it is sponsored for Bank linkage for credit. As on 31st March 2021, out of over six lakh Groups, 2,41,339 SHGs have been credit-linked and these have availed loan amounting to Rs 4,190.44 crore. Target for 2021-22 is to draw credit of Rs 6002.52 crore for 2,80,150 SHGs. Average loan size for a Group last year was Rs 1.74 lakh. Government plans it to go up to Rs 4 lakh by 2022-23. In the current year, banks are getting sensitised to enhance the loan-size at least to Rs 2 lakh.
On prompt and regular repayment, a WSHG is eligible to zero per cent interest facility for its loan up to Rs 3 lakh. This interest subvention amount is supposed to act as a catalyst for SHGs scale up activities. In 2020-21, Interest Subvention of Rs 125.54 crore was made available to 15 banks against a target of Rs 150 crore. Target for 2021-22 has been fixed to Rs 200 Crore towards Interest Subvention. The subvention requirement would go up substantially if the loan size goes up to Rs 3 lakh. So far, only 2.41 lakh WSHGs are Bank-linked; over 3.5 lakh WSHGs more could qualify for Bank linkage. If the present policy of interest subvention continues, the annual requirement of funds could then be of the order of Rs 1800 crores.
WSHGs are aggregated at the Gram Panchayat level into GP level Federations, which further aggregates to Block Federation at block and then to District Federation at the district level. Efficiency and performance of WSHGs vary. A well-documented Report of Mission Shakti and WFP India in June 2020 (to be referred to as Report, hereafter) indicates the existence of several inactive SHGs and candidly states that no real empowerment can be achieved if groups remain inactive. But many Groups do reasonably well as well and have ensured reasonable income for Members of WSHGs. In the six districts the assessment was made—Bolangir, Balasore, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Ganjam and Koraput -- the Report indicated per Member monthly income of Rs 3498; Rs 1849, Rs 7363; Rs3355, Rs2290 and Rs 10,824 respectively. The average turnover of WSHG was the highest in Koraput at Rs 12.96 lakh and lowest in Balasore at Rs 2.22 lakh. Mostly the WSHGs handled non-government schemes with Ganjam reporting highest participation in government schemes at only 5%.
The Report has flagged utilisation of loans by the Groups as an area of concern. Loan amount didn’t correlate with enhancement of income as in many cases the loan amounts were also utilised for household expenses ranging from husband’s business to cost of children’s education. Many Members needed sensitisation on profit and income. When loan did not carry interest, there is little hesitation to use the money for meeting consumption needs. The requirement to repay the loan on time is likely to be met by informal borrowing from friends. Improvement of liquidity in the household won’t dent persisting personal indebtedness unless the Members are adequately educated on financial management and augment their income.
These groups are engaged in different income generating activities including vegetable and mushroom cultivation, poultry, beekeeping, toy making, making terracotta items, pisciculture, Agarbati making, procurement of paddy, Business Correspondent Agents of Banks, collection of electricity dues. Under the Convergence programme of the government, many departments are providing training to WSHGs to enable them to perform activities of different sectors. There is however genuine desire from many Members for further training and on new areas like latest designs, technologies, mechanisation and market trends for activities such as tailoring and pottery. In many activities, dependence on men has been unavoidable. In some cases, the Report noted men seemed to play significant managerial roles in many groups, creating a “potentially exploitative arrangement and impeding independent decision making by the women members”. In many WSHGs “men dominated the management of activities, including maintenance of books of accounts, finances and marketing. Sales are also often carried out by male family members”. In the process, the Report said, “WSHG members are reduced to passive workers, with no stimulus to hone their own decision making power and managerial skills.”
Working of the WSHGs has thrown up many issues that need addressing to make the Groups more vibrant; productive and absorb more capital. Members are in dire need for training in areas of financial management, marketing, bookkeeping. Many housewives need to learn that profit is different from income; they are in need of handholding in marketing – an arena dominated by men. The Mission should open permanent market outlets in a large number of towns and cities so that sale volume picks up. Branding is an area that needs urgent attention. Agarbatis, for example, is a commodity that is made by a large number of WSHGs throughout the state. Standardisation of inputs would help and the Agarbatis could sell under a Brand name. The Groups that are doing well with higher turnover and holding potential for higher growth, should be enabled to become Enterprises.
The role of WSHGs as an effective tool for women empowerment is widely appreciated in India and the country by now has 54 lakh WSHGs with 59 million women members. Odisha’s Mission Shakti, however, alone, has in its fold over 6 lakh WSHGs (11% of the country’s total) with 7 million (12% of the total) women members. There is no virtue in an open-ended linear expansion of the number of WSHGs. Serious thought should be given to consolidating the number of Groups for better nurturing and scaling up operations. The present arrangement for Interest Subvention needs fine-tuning. Capital at zero per cent would surely improve liquidity in households but could lead to higher consumption expenditure and may move the women to debt trap. A modified Interest Subvention should work towards a soft interest regime of, say, 4%.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. The author can be reached at lonewalker.1942@gmail.com)
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Addressing the ‘Mission Shakti’ convention at Chhau Ground in Baripada, the CM announced construction of a Ring Road to tackle flood situation in the town.
Naveen further assured that he will urge the Centre for revival and restoration of license of Baripada Urban Co-operative Bank with financial support from the State. He also said that he will consider upgrading Baripada Ayurvedic College into a state-run government college.
Moreover, Naveen declared to set up a Chhau Dance Research Centre in Baripada which will enrich and popularise the folk dance form.
Earlier in the day, the CM inaugurated a bridge over Champa River on NH-19 in Baripada and opened the newly constructed Mother and Child Care Unit at Udala in the district.
Naveen also inaugurated several other welfare projects including girls’ hostels in Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College (MPC) and MPC (Junior) College, three pipes for drinking water supply and a bridge over Budhabalanga River.
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today decided to rename three major departments and merge certain wings with newly created administrative set-ups.
The proposals in this regard was approved at a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here.
The Pancahyati Raj department would now be known as Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water department, while WCD was changed to Women and Child Development and Mission Shakti department.
Similarly, the General Administration department would now be General Administration and Public Grievances department, Chief Secretary A P Padhi.
He said the RWSS (rural water supply and sanitation), now under the rural development department would be merged with the Panchayati Raj department for better services.
"The aim behind Mission Shakti was to empower more women in the social and economic sectors. A Mission Shakti directorate will be formed under the WCD department," Padhi said.
The cabinet also gave its nod to other decisions including giving 200 acres subsidised land to IISER at Berhampur.
Under the Mission Shakti programme, the CM handed over seed money of Rs 15,000 each to as many as 7, 453 Self Help Groups (SHGs) of the district while Rs 25 lakh each was provided to 12 block level SHG federations of the district.
Similarly, 7,000 women were provided Rs 3,000 each as part of digital empowerment initiative of the State government to purchase smart phones.
Besides, two high-level bridges over Balijod canal on Baripada-Bamanghati road, 50-bedded special centre at Karajia Sub-Divisional Hospital and two child and mother care centres in Thakurmunda Community Health Centre (CHC) were among the other developmental projects inaugurated by the chief minister.
Later in the day, Naveen attended KALIA Samavesh at Pandapada in Keonjhar district. He inaugurated 17 welfare projects worth Rs 66 crore and laid foundation stones of 47 projects worth Rs 2,100 crore for Keonjhar district.
The CM laid foundation for residential houses of Keonjhar police department, 50-seated skill development and training centre, girls' and boys' hostels in Dharanidhar Autonomous College, piped water supply project.
Addressing a public gathering at the programme, Patnaik stated that Rs 5 crore assistance will be allocated for development of infrastructure of the Science laboratory at the Bhawanipatna Women's College.
Besides, the CM declared Rs 15,000 financial assistance along with Rs 3,000 for purchasing smartphones, for newly formed self help groups (SHGs). Moreover, the CM also laid the foundation stones of 22 projects during his visit.
After inaugurating the Ret Irrigation project, Patnaik attended a 'Misran Parba' in Junagarh as well.
Terming CM Naveen as 'anti-national,' Lekhashree said that the BJD president was enjoying cultural programmes organised during BJD Samavesh when the martyred Odia jawans were being taken to their native villages for their last rites. At a time when the entire nation along with Odisha was in grief, the ruling-BJD organised Mission Shakti programmes in Kendrapara (February 15) and Kalahandi (February 16) and the CM himself was enjoying the cultural programmes featuring cine stars, she alleged.
"Such behaviour of CM Naveen is nothing short of making fun of the martyrs. Being engaged in such celebrations when the nation was dipped in tears is an act of gross insult," the saffron leader alleged, adding that the BJD's action has embarrassed Odias in front of the entire nation.
Responding to the allegations of Lekhashree, BJD spokesperson Sulochana Das said that the BJP leader should remember that her (Lekhashree) party leaders like Narendra Modi and Amit Shah were engaged in several government and party programmes even after the Pulwama attack; and even yesterday, in Odisha, Jana Adalat programme was organised by the BJP.
"It seems Lekhashree is either suffering from selective memory loss or is intentionally trying to hide the truth. Besides, her statements reflect that she is insecure within the party after induction of several new members," said Sulochana.
" I have been maintaining decorum in public as I wanted Naveen babu should bow out in dignity. But BJD's act of desperation in unleashing violence against BJP workers, like Bengal, compelled me to speak out. Naveen babu aapka Jana taya hain," thundered Modi.
In Balasore, Modi charged the BJD government of nourishing the 'demon' of corruption and making it a fearful monster.
The Prime Minister even sounded a note of warning in Kendrapara and Balasore, when he said, "A handful of officials cannot save you, Naveen babu,". Modi charged that some officials in the State have connived with the ruling BJD government in executing violence against BJP cadre. These officials have imprisoned the 'development' of State and it will not continue for long.
Calling the voters in Odisha 'Samajhdar' (Prudent), Modi said 'samajhdar' voters are now angry and the 'double-engine' is only a certainty in the State, a month hence on May 23. Modi then said, 'Rajya Sarkar', to which crowd chanted in unison 'Badaliba darkar'. Odisha voters are 'Samajhdar', nothing like 'Upar main Modi, Neeche aur koi' will ever happen in Odisha, he observed.
The crowd was in rapture when referring to Kendrapara, PM said the area is known as hub of plumbers, and will never fit a small pipe with a big one. Modi's 'big pipe' here was in reference to 'Centre' and 'small pipe' to 'State Government'.
The Prime Minister further claimed that a wave is sweeping the country in BJP's favour, and this wave is proving a challenge for the opposition parties.
"Desh main ek leher hai, aur yeh lehar, virodhiyon ke liye ek lalkar ban gayi hain," said Modi.
Without taking Rahul Gandhi's name, PM thundered that those who were hell bent on hoisting 'false graft charges' on us are now in the dock. The reference was likely meant at Rahul tendering an apology in Supreme Court yesterday for misquoting Supreme Court Judgement on Rafale deal.
Making a scathing attack on BJD government over rising sexual crimes against girl chid in Odisha, Modi assured the people that on coming to power BJP government in State will bring a paradigm change in security for women and girl children, . "My Government has stipulated capital punishment for sexual abusers," he reminded and stressed that women have been the central theme in Centre's all flagship schemes.
"BJP is not for power. We are an alternative vision for New India, New Odisha," said Modi and charged that the priority of BJD government is power, not development.
Highlighting his vision for development of State's coastal region, PM harped on Sagarmala, Brahmani waterways et al that would give a fillip to cheaper cargo transportation in the country.
PM also made a big statement in Kendrapara, when he said 'sabhi' (all) Kisan (farmers) in Odisha are going to avail the benefit of PM-KISAN, if BJP comes to power.
In Balasore, PM Modi referred to the successful launch of Mission Shakti, when Indian scientists achieved remarkable success as they shot down a live satellite in the low earth orbit. He said don't you feel proud of 'Mission Shakti'? As the crowd roared 'Yes', Modi sarcastically said Opposition parties are not feeling so.
Like the UP campaign, pitching himself to fore here, Modi in Balasore told the crowd “trust me, give me a chance and I will give you the Odisha of your dreams. In five years, Odisha will see five-times more development.”
Reacting to PM Modi 's bodyline attack on BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik, BJD ridiculed PM's assertion terming it as a pep up talk by PM to BJP cadres, who, BJD claims, are crestfallen as the saffron party has lost its steam during the last two poll phases in the State.
With this, the target of KALIA beneficiaries has been increased to 75 lakh farmer families. A total of 42 lakh farming families are currently enrolled under the scheme.
"As per our commitment to farmers, today in our first Cabinet meeting, the target of KALIA beneficiaries has been increased to 75 lakh farm families. Fund release starts with immediate effect (May 29, 2019) and about 25 lakh additional families will be assisted in a week's time," said the CM.
CM Naveen also approved Rs 1,000 crore worth of government business to Women Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) through Mission Shakti.
As many as 40 different types of activities such as paddy procurement, uniforms for school children, hospital diet, mosquito nets and mid-day meals will be part of this in the first phase, said Naveen.
"With these two resolutions the promise I had made about KALIA and Mission Shakti to be implemented on the day we assume office, is honoured," he added.
Bhubaneswar: Empowerment of women has been one of the major achievements of Naveen Patnaik government. Mission Shakti, the most important initiative on this front, has become symbolic of dignity and self-reliance of the members of the fair sex.
There are around six lakh women self help groups (SHGs) in the state engaged in a number of economic activities that are not only a source of income for them but also contribute significantly to the development of the state. The SHG movement is a success story and has given women belonging to marginal and lower income groups an identity.
The popularity of these collectives can be gauged from the fact that Pramila Bisoi, a sexagenarian SHG leader from the rural belt of Ganjam, was made Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) Lok Sabha candidate from Aska by chief minister, Naveen Patnaik. The choice was significant also from the point of view that Aska had in the past been represented by chief minister himself and before him by his father, Biju Patnaik, a big advocate of women empowerment.
The government over the years has supported these women collectives in various ways. Last January Patnaik had announced interest-free loans up to Rs. 3 lakh for these groups at a convention in Puri that saw the congregation of around 50,000 women from various parts of the state.
He had also distributed financial assistance of Rs 3,000 each to six lakh WSHGs as part the state government's efforts to digitally empower women. During the "Make in Odisha" conclave held in the state last November Patnaik had promised smartphones to six lakh WSHGs.
The SHGs over the years have diversified their activities and have been working in close cooperation with the state government. The latest on this front is that they are being involved in the exercise of paddy procurement in Kalahandi on a pilot basis. Around 17 SHGs have been working in 17 panchayats of the district . Until now they have procured 2.47 lakh quintal of paddy amounting to Rs 44.15 crore, their commission in this being to the tune of Rs 77.24 lakh.
With the success of this project Women and Child development and Mission Shakti departments are likely to involve more WSHGs in paddy procurement in other districts of the state during the kharif season. This will make a significant impact on the economy of 70 lakh women members of the SHGs spread across the state.
While empowering women through these collectives the government has also reaped political benefits. It has strengthened ruling Biju Janata Dal’s vote bank with women faithfully voting for the party election after election. The government, too, realises the importance of the initiative without which a large work force would have remained confined within the four walls of their homes.
It is extremely important to ensure that women come out of their houses and contribute meaningfully to the development of the economy as well as our society. The chief minister deserves kudos for taking the initiative in this regard and if his party reaps some political benefits in the process let us not complain about it.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the initiative at Lok Seva Bhawan and interacted with some women through video conferencing.
“The State government has launched several welfare projects under Women & Child Development & Mission Shakti for the women and children and it is impotent to ensure that the beneficiaries get benefit from such projects,” Pataik said.
“Employee of Women & Child Development & Mission Shakti have played a vital role in bringing down the maternal mortality rate (MMR) and Infant mortality rate (IMR) in the State. And because of their dedicated and selfless works the ‘Mamata’ scheme has now become a model for other state in India,” he added.
The Chief Minister further said that the Mission Shakti has been strengthened in Odisha and it has empowered the women of the State.
The CM also directed the concerned officials not to allow any sort of corruption in their respective departments rather work for the betterment of the beneficiaries, which, he said, is the biggest success.
This year, DRDO chief G. Sateesh Reddy has set a target to achieve self-reliance in missiles, radars, sonars, torpedoes, armaments and early warning systems. He has stated that DRDO intends to have no import for these systems in five years.
DRDO flight-tested Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) Astra from Su-30 MKI platform off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha from September 16 to 19.
The five trials conducted during this period tested missiles in different configurations. Three missiles were launched in combat configuration with warheads and neutralised manoeuvring targets to establish the end-game capability of the missile. The tests were successful.
The first-ever arrested landing of Light Combat Aircraft at INS Hansa ,the Indian naval air station in Goa, took place on September 13. The test will pave the way for the indigenous platform to undertake aircraft carrier landing demonstration onboard the Indian Naval aircraft carrier Vikramaditya.
DRDO flight tested indigenously developed low weight, fire and forget man-portable anti-tank guided missile on September 11 in Andhra Pradesh. The missile was launched from a man-portable tripod launcher on the target mimicking a functional tank. The test paves the way for the Indian Army to have third-generation indigenous anti-tank guided missile.
The research and development organisation also handed over three indigenously designed airborne early warning and control system Netra to the Indian Air Force on September 11 to augment the service's network-centric capabilities.
They also flight-tested its state-of-the-art quick-reaction surface-to-air missile against live aerial targets from Chandipur on August 4.
On March 27, the country joins a select group of nations with capability to neutralises live satellites in low earth orbit. DRDO carried out Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile test 'Mission Shakti' from Odisha.
A DRDO-developed ballistic missile defence interceptor missile engaged a live Indian satellite orbiting in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a 'Hit to Kill' mode. The test demonstrated India's capability to defend its assets in outer space and vindicated the strength and robust nature of DRDO's programmes. In a landmark occasion, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas MK I for Indian Air Force was informally awarded final operational clearance (FOC) on February 20.
DRDO successfully conducted two BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles tests, one each from land and air platforms and as part of the series of flight trials of the Pinaka missile system, two test firings were successfully conducted.
(IANS)
"Yes, indeed. We wish that the women's reservation bill be passed," Patnaik said while replying to a question during an interaction in Bhubaneswar.
The chief minister said the Biju Janata Dal strongly believed in the women empowerment, pointing out that his party had fielded women in one-third of seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
"My late father Biju Patnaik was the first in the country to reserve 33 per cent of seats for women in Panchayati raj institutions. My government has raised this reservation ratio to 50 per cent," Patnaik said.
The BJD president also pointed out that his government had two flagship programmes -- Mission Shakti and Mamata.
"Mission Shakti, which has so far become a movement in the state, provides both social as well as economic empowerment to the women," Patnaik said.
He further said the Mamata scheme was for pregnant women and they are given financial assistance for child births.
(PTI)
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced this significant policy move on the occasion of International Women's Day. Patnaik was addressing a programme organised at Convention Centre in the Lokseva Bhavan to mark the occasion of International Women's Day.
"I would like to announce that Odisha will be the first State to have an exclusive department for self-help groups (SHGs). This will be called Department of 'Mission Shakti' and will be dedicated to all the women of Odisha," the CM declared.
He further added that women from our State are leading in all spheres of development. The 'Mission Shakti', 'Mamata' scheme and the initiative of 50 per cent reservation in the panchayats and local bodies have empowered a massive 70 lakh women socio-economically, Naveen claimed.
'Mission Shakti' department will also have a focus on the nutritional development of children and women, he added.
Calling Odisha a leading State in the country in women empowerment, Patnaik said women like Dutee Chand, Pratibha Ray and Nandita Das have not only made the State proud but also have brought laurels for the nation.
Secretaries and officials from different departments along with SHG members from various parts of the State have attended the program.
Their role has been acknowledged by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who expressed his gratitude for their support during this critical time.
Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown: Odisha Man Becomes Godsend For Needy
"I am heartened by the all-round response of women especially members of Mission Shakti Self Help Groups (SHGs) during this critical time, Patnaik said recently.
The women are devoting their time in generating awareness, supplying essential commodities to families, cooking meals for poor, and even making 50,000 masks every day, he said.
The Mission Shakti programme was started by Patnaik in 2001, a year after he assumed power in Odisha.
It has always played a vital role during any disaster or emergency situation, and has now become a movement in the state, the chief minister said.
The members work in rural and urban areas and once again the Mission Shakti members have risen to the occasion providing a vital link between the government and the community as leaders, partners in service delivery at the grass root level, said Sujata R Karthikeyan, the director of Mission Shakti.
From early March, the SHGs were assigned the responsibility of creating awareness on COVID-19 at the community level. They circulated pamphlets, mostly targeting women in rural and urban areas.
The Women Self Help Group (WSHG) members mostly concentrated on women those who have little knowledge on hygiene and sanitation, the official said.
They carried the chief ministers pledge of Stay Home, Stay Safe' at the doorsteps of people, who do not have access to newspapers and television channels.
The women also made the rural people understand in simple language that it is not impossible to defeat coronavirus if they stay home and break the transmission chain, Karthikeyan said.
Seeing the public demand for masks, nearly 400 SHGs are making 50,000 masks every day, the official said.
Our SHGs have sold nearly 6 lakh masks so far to agencies, institutions banks, police, village health workers.
They are sold at a reasonable rate of Rs 15-20 per piece. Many SHGs have also taken this up as a philanthropic activity and distributed masks free of cost to those in need, Karthikeyan pointed out.
When the lockdown was announced and it was seen that supply of rations and vegetables may become an issue, the WSHG members stepped in to fill the gap.
Nearly 500 SHGs have set up dry ration, vegetables and fruit shops across the state with the help of the district administration, she said.
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The WSHG members are also carrying out home delivery services for providing ration in many urban centres like Berhampur, Cuttack, Kendrapara and Koraput.
Meanwhile, the chief minister has entrusted the responsibility of managing free kitchens in every Gram Panchayat to the WSHGs.
This is not all. Some WSHGs and federations have voluntarily contributed from their group savings to the Chief Ministers Relief fund for the coronavirus pandemic.
(PTI)
The Opposition parties have rubbished government's claim that 'Mission Shakti department would help strengthening the self-help groups (SHG).
Women and Child Development Department Minister Tukuni Sahu on Saturday said that separate department would strengthen the self-help group (SHG) initiatives undertaken by different agencies and departments and bring it under one platform to provide greater focus, synergy and avoid duplication in activities.
BJP questioned government's motive behind creation of special department after a gap of 20 years.
"Why a separate department was created after 20 years? Why it was not created in 2001 or 2002? Is it a symbol of respect to women? asks BJP national spokesperson and MP Aparajita Sarangi.
Similarly, Congress dubbed the government's move as an attempt to grab women votes in the upcoming civic body and panchayat polls.
Congress MLA Sura Routray said "The separate department has been created only to garner women votes in the forthcoming urban and panchayat polls.
BJD, on the other hand, hit back at the Opposition parties for downplaying government's initiative for women empowerment.
"It is unfortunate that Opposition parties are not bothering about the development of women but only their votes. When importance of a department rises, it is given a special department status," senior BJD leader and MLA Sashi Bhusan Behera said.