June 8th 2024.
In the district of Mayurbhanj, the women self-help groups have made significant strides towards self-reliance and financial independence through various livelihood programs under the Mission Shakti scheme. Reports have shown the positive impact of these initiatives, but now there is a sense of uncertainty among the SHG members and residents as the Bharatiya Janata Party has taken power after winning the recent elections.
People are worried about the fate of Mission Shakti and other programs that were launched by the previous BJD government over the past 24 years. Will the new BJP government continue these programs or abolish them? This question has been causing distress among the SHG members, who fear losing the support and opportunities that have helped them become financially stable.
The success of programs such as sabai grass cultivation, sal leaf product manufacturing, minor forest produce collection, raggi cultivation, and livestock farming has not only provided livelihoods but also empowered women to support themselves and their families. In Mayurbhanj district alone, there are over 47,000 women SHGs with more than 4,70,000 members. Each block has a significant number of SHGs, ranging from 909 in Jamda block to 2,328 in Kaptipada block.
To ensure the proper implementation of Mission Shakti, the state government has created federations at various levels and hired Bank Mitras, who receive nominal remunerations. The government has also announced pension for SHG members. However, there have been reports of mismanagement and misuse of funds, which has led to a loss of direction for the scheme. This, along with political interference from a few unscrupulous SHG office bearers, has caused the BJD government to lose the trust and support of the SHG members.
As a result, many SHG members have voted for the BJP, hoping for a change in the administration and better support for their initiatives. However, the residents of Mayurbhanj district are also concerned about the fate of other programs such as Aahaar, LAccMI bus service, Nua-O scholarship, BSKY, and more, which were launched by the BJD government. On the other hand, the BJP has promised to introduce the Lakhpati Didi scheme, where every woman will receive a voucher worth Rs 50,000.
Amidst all the political changes and promises, the women of Mayurbhanj district are facing a period of uncertainty. They are hopeful that the new government will continue to support and empower them, but only time will tell what the future holds for them and their livelihoods.
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