Summary:
BHUBANESWAR: The state government will provide free smartphones to all six lakh women self-help groups (SHGs) under Mission Shakti programmes as part of its digital empowerment programme. The SHGs have a total saving of Rs 5,000 crore.Naveen said there is no habitation in the state without a Mission Shakti group. “Almost every second household has a member in the Mission Shakti. My government honours their sincerity by providing SHGs loans at 1 per cent,” the chief minister said.The chief minister also urged the bankers to meet the credit requirement of Mission Shakti groups in a dignified and professional manner.The state government has earlier announced free smartphones for farmers in Odisha.Pitching his government’s focus on women empowerment, Naveen said women empowerment is something that is very close to his heart. Let me confess that whenever we have done anything for women, it has had the maximum impact for the State and given me the greatest personal satisfaction,” he added.Some of the successful SHG members shared their experiences during the session..