The ‘Subhadra Shakti Mela’ has officially begun, with over 700 self-help groups (SHGs) showcased across 300 stalls, displaying more than 200 items.
The event, inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, aims to awaken the inherent power of Subhadra mothers and is being held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar.
In his speech, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted that the ‘Subhadra Shakti Mela’ is not merely an exhibition but a representation of the success stories of the mothers, sisters, and daughters of Odisha. He emphasized that women empowerment is a movement for the government and not just a slogan. The initiative aims to help women become skilled entrepreneurs and achieve financial independence.
The Chief Minister announced that Rs. 300 crore in interest would be refunded to more than 3 lakh self-help groups for the financial year 2024-25. This refund is part of the government’s commitment to the ‘Lakhpati Didi‘ initiative inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The goal is to create 2.5 lakh “Lakhpati Didi” over the next three years with the launch of the “Lakhpati Didi Sahayika Yojana,” enabling self-help group mothers to earn at least Rs. 1 lakh per year.
ସୁଭଦ୍ରା ମା’ମାନଙ୍କ ଅନ୍ତର୍ନିହିତ ଶକ୍ତିର ଜାଗରଣ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ୟ ନେଇ ଭୁବନେଶ୍ୱର ଜନତା ମୈଦାନରେ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଛି ‘ସୁଭଦ୍ରା ଶକ୍ତି’ ମେଳା। ୭୦୦ରୁ ଅଧିକ SHG , ୩୦୦ରୁ ଅଧିକ ଷ୍ଟଲ, ୨୦୦ ରୁ ଅଧିକ ସାମଗ୍ରୀ ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶିତ ହୋଇଥିବା ଏହି ମେଳାକୁ ମାନ୍ୟବର ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ ମୋହନ ଚରଣ ମାଝୀ ଉଦଘାଟନ କରିଛନ୍ତି। #ସୁଭଦ୍ରା pic.twitter.com/0miCw0Lzfs
— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) February 22, 2025
He also outlined various support measures for self-help groups, including doubling the Revolving Fund from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000 for approximately 5.80 lakh SHGs. The Community Investment Fund for Gram Panchayat Level Federations (GPLFs) has been increased from Rs. 35 lakh to Rs. 60 lakh, enhancing financial empowerment for these institutions.
To assist self-help groups in their endeavors, the government is providing an interest waiver on bank loans up to Rs. 10 lakh. The Chief Minister reiterated that Rs. 300 crore in interest refunds will be available for over 3 lakh self-help groups for the fiscal year 2024-25.
The “Subhadra” scheme, considered the biggest program in Odisha’s economic history, has disbursed over Rs. 4,900 crore to more than 98 lakh Subhadra mothers. On International Women’s Day, March 8, another installment of Rs. 5,000 will be provided to these mothers. The Chief Minister posed a thought-provoking question on the potential impact on Odisha’s economy if one crore mothers receive this capital.
He asserted that the Subhadra Yojana is a backbone for women’s empowerment and announced the upcoming launch of additional schemes under the Subhadra platform, including Kishori Subhadra, Subhadra Sanchay, Subhadra Sakhi, Subhadra Yatri, Subhadra Sangh or Club, Subhadra Call Center, Subhadra Associates, Subhadra Pandit, and Sujogya Subhadra. An allocation of Rs. 10,145 crore has been made for the Subhadra Yojana in the coming fiscal year. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that by 2036, these contributions will significantly enhance Odisha’s progress.
During the event, the Chief Minister visited various stalls at the fair and praised the products created by women from self-help groups.
Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Parvati Parida remarked that the Subhadra Shakti Mela is not only a celebration of culture and heritage but also a symbol of women’s development and empowerment. She expressed optimism that with continuous effort from the mothers and sisters of Odisha, the state could achieve development before 2036.
The event featured speeches from MLA Ekamra Bhubaneswar Babu Singh, a welcome address by Smt. Shalini Pandit, Commissioner and Secretary of the Mission Energy Department, and a vote of thanks from Monika Priyadarshini, Director of the Mission Energy Department.
