Bhubaneswar, June 8: Mission Shakti women in Odisha will soon receive advanced technology training from professors of IIT Bhubaneswar following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) and IIT Bhubaneswar.
The MoU was signed by OLM Director Monica Priyadarshini and IIT Bhubaneswar Director Shreepad Karmakar. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said the initiative aims to enhance the technological capabilities of Mission Shakti members and strengthen their entrepreneurial potential.
Speaking at a special programme held at Mission Shakti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Parida said the state government has set a target of transforming 150 Lakhpati Didis into Crorepati Didis within the next three years. Lakhpati Didis from all 30 districts participated in the programme through video conferencing.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced key tourism initiatives, stating that electric boats will start operating at Kalijai within the next three to four months. Similar efforts are underway to convert boats operating in Chilika and Bhitarkanika into electric and solar-powered vessels.
To promote rural and experiential tourism, the government is expanding homestay facilities in scenic and forested regions where hotel infrastructure is limited. Under the initiative, tourists will be able to stay in village homes, enjoy traditional rural cuisine and experience local tribal culture firsthand, providing a unique tourism experience while generating income opportunities for rural communities.
