In a major move aimed at overhauling the Self-Help Group (SHG) ecosystem, the Odisha government has announced a comprehensive restructuring of SHGs across the state starting this month.
This will be followed by fresh appointments at district and state levels under the Gram Panchayat Level Federation (GPLF), Cluster Level Federation (CLF), and Block Level Federation (BLF) structures next month.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also heads the state’s flagship Mission Shakti initiative, revealed that many deserving women had been excluded from SHGs under the previous administration. She criticized earlier governments for forming SHGs based on political favoritism rather than inclusive development.
“SHG memberships were often politically driven, leaving out thousands of eligible women. We’re changing that by ensuring every household gets a chance to be part of Mission Shakti,” Parida stated.
As part of the revamp, new elections will be held for GPLF posts, with a rule preventing current Presidents and Secretaries from continuing if they’ve served two consecutive terms exceeding four years. The aim is to infuse new leadership and encourage wider participation from rural women.
The Deputy CM also raised concerns over financial irregularities under the former regime, pointing to large sums disbursed to unregistered SHGs without audits. “Crores of rupees were handed out without accountability. That won’t happen anymore,” she asserted.
The restructuring initiative is expected to bring transparency, equitable representation, and stronger financial oversight to SHGs, aligning with the government’s vision to empower women and uplift rural communities through systematic reforms and people-first governance.
