The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes on Tuesday as opposition members raised concerns over the alleged non-payment of salaries to women workers under the Mission Shakti department. This issue has stirred significant public and political discourse, highlighting the challenges and achievements of a program that has been a cornerstone of women’s empowerment in the state.
The Opposition’s Allegations
Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, accused the government of neglecting the welfare of over 70 lakh women associated with Mission Shakti. “The government is conspiring to stop the salaries of these women, which is unacceptable. We have always supported the empowerment of Mission Shakti women and will continue to do so,” he said during the Assembly session.
For the past several days, women associated with the program have been staging protests in the capital, citing unpaid salaries for nine months. According to the protesters, these delays have forced them to endure hardships, including spending winter nights under the open sky. Their demands include salary disbursement, job regularization, travel allowances, and additional benefits like employee provident fund and identity cards.
Government’s Response
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida refuted the allegations, urging all stakeholders not to mislead the women. “This matter was discussed in the Assembly on Monday. The government is committed to addressing genuine concerns in the interest of women. I appeal to the workers not to be swayed by misinformation and assure them that necessary steps will be taken,” she said.
The Mission Shakti Program
Mission Shakti is a flagship initiative of the Odisha government aimed at empowering women through self-help groups (SHGs). Approximately 62,700 Gram Panchayat Level Federation (GPLF) members, including master bookkeepers, bank mitras, krishi mitras, and prani mitras, work under the program. These workers play a critical role in community support and receive salaries ranging from Rs 6,500 to Rs 10,500 per month. However, the delay in salary payments has become a contentious issue, sparking protests and raising questions about the program’s operational efficiency.
Protests and Political Involvement
The protests, led by the All Odisha GPLF Karmi Sangha, have seen participation from various political factions. Several MLAs of the BJD joined the demonstrators, expressing solidarity and calling for immediate action to resolve the issue.
Nirupama Nayak, president of the All Odisha GPLF Karmi Sangha, highlighted the dedication of the workers. “Despite not receiving salaries for nine months, we continue to serve the community. The government must recognize our contributions and meet our demands,” she said.
The Path Forward
While the concerns of Mission Shakti workers are valid, the government’s commitment to addressing these issues cannot be overlooked. The program has been instrumental in transforming the lives of countless women in Odisha, and ensuring its smooth functioning is in everyone’s best interest.
As the Assembly deliberates on the issue, a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders is essential. Dialogue, transparency, and timely action can not only resolve the current impasse but also strengthen the Mission Shakti initiative, reaffirming its role as a model for women’s empowerment in India.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the course of action. All eyes are on the government’s ability to balance fiscal responsibilities with the aspirations of Mission Shakti workers, ensuring that this flagship program continues to inspire and empower.
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