Mission Shakti SHGs face the challenge of Covid-19

Bhubaneswar, Nov 11: Odisha government has announced a new scheme “Urban Wage Employment Initiative” to help the informal work force in the state’s 114 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) involving Women SHGs of Mission Shakti. This initiative is first of its kind in the country to provide wage employment to the urban poor amid this pandemic time. The aim was to counter the adverse impact of Covid-19 in the state by undertaking monsoon preparedness activities and creating & maintaining public assets. It envisages execution of labour intensive projects in all 114 ULBs in the states to be undertaken by SHGs. The unique livelihood convergence model under UWEI mandates that Mission Shakti women Self Help Groups (SHG) act as the Implementing Partners (IPs) in execution of all works. Housing & Urban Development Department is the nodal department for supervision of the scheme. For the very first time, Mission Shakti urban SHGs are engaged as implementing partners specifically in works. {"align":"center","id":80463,"sizeSlug":"large"} An extensive training module was developed by Directorate of Mission Shakti on field execution. Capacity building of women SHGs, ULB & Mission Shakti field officials at ULB level was undertaken for effective and timely implementation of this programme. The ULBs carried out appropriate IEC measures to create awareness at the ULB level on job opportunities, enrolment procedure and benefits. The work under UWEI includes de-silting of drains, construction of rain water harvesting structures, plantations, recycling and reuse of waste, beautification of city through wall painting and murals etc. So far, 6937 SHGs have been engaged as IPs in execution of work with contract value/wage component amounting to Rs. 62.08 crore across the state. The SHGs have received Rs 70.93 lakh as supervision charges. The SHGs as Implementing Partners, have provided 3.82 lakh man-days with an total wage value of Rs.12.09 crore, electronically transferred to the bank accounts of beneficiaries. On average each Mission Shakti SHG is getting Rs 6712/- as supervision charges under this initative. Urban Wage Employment Initiative has benefitted the urban poor labourers in this crucial time by providing employment in the same ULB while strictly adhering to health advisories with regards to Covid 19 pandemic issued by the Government. Mission Shakti WSHGs have made noteworthy contribution to this novel initiative by implementing these activities efficiently in a time bound manner. “Our SHG has executed the work of morum tapping on a new earthen road. Apart from earning our supervision charges, we are glad for having been part of this unique State Government initiative that has helped the economically weaker sections of the society and migrant workers in our ward earn more than Rs 3000/- per person during the crisis of Covid-19 pandemic. This has truly helped them to meet their daily household expenses and ensure food security of their family” said Sujata Samal Secretary of Sri Jagannath SHG, Rairangpur NAC, Mayurbhanj.