The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEB 13, 2024
Laxmipriya Raut, a member of Baisakhi Mahasangha in Bhubaneswar, expresses pride in their achievements under the “MUKTA” initiative. She explains, “Our Mahasangha has constructed a park as part of the ‘MUKTA’ project, after receiving the work order from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). This initiative has allowed us to establish our unique identity.”
Raut elaborates on the process, stating, “Initially, the area was inaccessible and overgrown with bushes. With guidance from BMC engineers, we learned about park layout design, required construction materials, and the employment of workers. Despite initial challenges, we gradually assumed responsibility for construction and supervision, successfully executing the project.” She adds, “Seeing people of all ages utilizing the park daily brings us immense joy.”
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic’s adverse impact on vulnerable populations, including migrant workers and women in urban Odisha, the Hon’ble Chief Minister launched the “Urban Wage Based Employment” initiative in April 2020. This initiative aimed to provide employment opportunities for the urban poor and unskilled workers. Building on its success, the program evolved into the “Mukhyamantri Karma Tatpara Abhiyan” (MUKTA) in February 2021, becoming a flagship scheme of the Odisha Government.
Under the MUKTA scheme, over 2,2500 Mission Shakti Self Help Groups have received work orders, resulting in the completion of 52,500 projects and the generation of 76 lakh man-days.
To enhance project implementation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development initiated a statewide skill development training program for Mission Shakti Self Help Groups in January 2024. This program aims to improve their construction skills and project management capabilities.
A comprehensive training program has been developed for 800 master trainers selected from successful Mission Shakti Self Help Group members. These trainers undergo training on implementation, documentation, digital literacy, and communication skills to effectively support trainee groups across the state.
Training sessions are conducted at the ward level, with 2055 sessions planned by March 2024. In the initial phase, 17,00 training programs have been completed, empowering over 35,000 Mission Shakti Self Help Group members. The program aims to train at least three members from each group, empowering a total of approximately 67,500 leaders to manage projects efficiently.
Sarada Prasad Panda, Additional Secretary & Nodal Officer of the Housing and Urban Development Department, interacts with Mission Shakti Group members through virtual platforms during ongoing training programs. This direct engagement facilitates communication and enables SHG groups to voice their concerns, contributing to policy reforms.
The MUKTA scheme has empowered vulnerable groups to undertake urban infrastructure projects such as paver block roads, parks, public gyms, and local area development, fostering a sense of ownership and community development.
