Naveen announces sops for women in BJD manifesto

Naveen announces sops for women in BJD manifesto

Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik. (Photo: IANS)

Bhubaneswar, April 8 (IANS) Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday unveiled the election manifesto for women promising to provide Rs 5,000-crore government work every year to the Self Help Groups (SHGs) under "Mission Shakti".

"As women are the real double engines of growth, BJD's manifesto for them promises Rs 5,000 crore of work to further strengthen Mission Shakti which will give them Rs 500 crore profit," said the Chief Minister.

Addressing a rally in Nuapada, he said the women SHGs will be given government jobs like management of mid-day meal (MDM), public distribution system (PDS), paddy procurement, Ashram schools, hospital, transportation and supply of school uniform.

He also promised to provide accidental insurance facility for every member of the SHGs and zero-interest loan up to Rs 5 lakh to all the SHGs.

Patnaik promised to hike medical assistance for women under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

He also promised to provide free education for girls from KG to college level, including medical and engineering courses, if the BJD wins the elections.

The Chief Minister also promised to provide marriage assistance of Rs 25,000 to poor families.

Notably, women have voted generously in favour of the ruling party in last elections.

Naveen Patnaik is seeking a record fifth term as Odisha Chief Minister during in election.

In Odisha, the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are scheduled to be held simultaneously in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The state has 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats.

--IANS

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