Bhubaneswar, Feb 28: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates visited the Maa Mangala Basti in the Niladri Bihar area of Bhubaneswar today.
During his tour of the slum, Bill Gates interacted with residents, discussing various initiatives by the Odisha government, such as MUKTA and JAGA Mission. JAGA Mission focuses on slum development, while 'Mukta' aims to boost employment for the urban poor.
Accompanied by officials including Development Commissioner Anu Garg and Additional Chief Secretary G Mathivathanan, Gates visited Maa Mangala Basti.
Thereafter, he visited Mission Shakti Bazaar which is completely operated by Self Help Group (SHG) women.
He was welcomed by Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Mission Shakti Department Sujata R Karthikeyan. She briefed Gates about the products available in the market and said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has a vision to empower women and make them.
5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman VK Pandian was also present during his visit.
Later, he is set to visit Krushi Bhawan to meet Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
In 2017, the Odisha Government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation signed an MoU to enhance data management in agriculture, targeting small farmers' livelihoods and inclusive growth.
