Mission Shakti Staff End Strike After Government Promises Salary Release | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Community support staff under Mission Shakti, who were protesting for the past three days demanding release of their salaries and other demands, called off their strike after deputy chief minister Pravati Parida informed the assembly that the govt is taking steps for release of their salaries and considering their demands.
Chairman of All Odisha Gram Panchayat Level Federation Karmi Sangha, Subas Singh, said, “After the state govt presented their view in the assembly that they are considering their demands and ready to discuss our issues, the agitating members decided to call off their strike.”
Earlier, responding to an adjournment motion in the assembly, Parida, who also holds the Mission Shakti portfolio, said the allegation of opposition members that “the govt is weakening Mission Shakti, and lacks sincerity towards women empowerment”, is entirely baseless and unfounded. On the contrary, govt has taken proactive measures to strengthen it, and since the formation of the new govt, 2.71 lakh Lakhpati Didis were created, she informed.
Highlighting the BJP govt’s commitment to women empowerment, Parida said, “To make Mission Shakti more active and impactful, our govt has prepared a vision document with transformative goals until 2036. As a part of this, by 2027, the state aims to create 25 lakh livelihoods.”
Opposition leaders criticised the govt for non-payment of salaries to over 60,000 gram panchayat level dederation (GPLF) members who are engaged as master bookkeepers (MBK), bank mitras, krishi mitras and prani mitras and provide service to the community. They receive a monthly salary ranging from Rs 6,500 to Rs 10,500, depending on their work. However, these women have not received their salary for the last nine months, leading to financial difficulties.
Parida said, “Those who are protesting are not Mission Shakti members. Rather, they are community support staff engaged under Mission Shakti for five years. Govt has already ordered the release of salaries of those who have not completed five years in the job.”
“Through Mission Shakti, we aim to make women stronger and more self-reliant. Whatever is required for their development, our govt will ensure its implementation. The allegations of weakening Mission Shakti are baseless and do not reflect reality. Our govt remains resolute in enhancing the economic and social status of women across all levels,” Parida said.
She said bank loans amounting to Rs 6,518 crore were provided to self-help groups, and through different govt departments, business worth Rs 10,117.46 crore was given to SHGs. As many as 30,426 new women SHGs and 766 new producer groups were formed. In addition to this, 335 women were given individual loans for self-employment, she informed.
Mission Shakti facilitated 110 women-managed retail outlets in various districts to market SHG-produced goods, and Rs 114.3 crore in revolving funds and community investment funds were distributed to 12,512 SHGs. In FY 2024–25, loans worth Rs 8,581 crore were extended to 1.80 lakh SHGs, she said.
Chairman of All Odisha Gram Panchayat Level Federation Karmi Sangha, Subas Singh, said, “After the state govt presented their view in the assembly that they are considering their demands and ready to discuss our issues, the agitating members decided to call off their strike.”
Earlier, responding to an adjournment motion in the assembly, Parida, who also holds the Mission Shakti portfolio, said the allegation of opposition members that “the govt is weakening Mission Shakti, and lacks sincerity towards women empowerment”, is entirely baseless and unfounded. On the contrary, govt has taken proactive measures to strengthen it, and since the formation of the new govt, 2.71 lakh Lakhpati Didis were created, she informed.
Highlighting the BJP govt’s commitment to women empowerment, Parida said, “To make Mission Shakti more active and impactful, our govt has prepared a vision document with transformative goals until 2036. As a part of this, by 2027, the state aims to create 25 lakh livelihoods.”
Opposition leaders criticised the govt for non-payment of salaries to over 60,000 gram panchayat level dederation (GPLF) members who are engaged as master bookkeepers (MBK), bank mitras, krishi mitras and prani mitras and provide service to the community. They receive a monthly salary ranging from Rs 6,500 to Rs 10,500, depending on their work. However, these women have not received their salary for the last nine months, leading to financial difficulties.
Parida said, “Those who are protesting are not Mission Shakti members. Rather, they are community support staff engaged under Mission Shakti for five years. Govt has already ordered the release of salaries of those who have not completed five years in the job.”
“Through Mission Shakti, we aim to make women stronger and more self-reliant. Whatever is required for their development, our govt will ensure its implementation. The allegations of weakening Mission Shakti are baseless and do not reflect reality. Our govt remains resolute in enhancing the economic and social status of women across all levels,” Parida said.
She said bank loans amounting to Rs 6,518 crore were provided to self-help groups, and through different govt departments, business worth Rs 10,117.46 crore was given to SHGs. As many as 30,426 new women SHGs and 766 new producer groups were formed. In addition to this, 335 women were given individual loans for self-employment, she informed.
Mission Shakti facilitated 110 women-managed retail outlets in various districts to market SHG-produced goods, and Rs 114.3 crore in revolving funds and community investment funds were distributed to 12,512 SHGs. In FY 2024–25, loans worth Rs 8,581 crore were extended to 1.80 lakh SHGs, she said.
