Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the State and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections- Odisha.

syllabus :Social Justice, GS-2

⚫ Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation-India and Odisha.

⚫ Development processes and the development industry- the role of MSMEs & women SHGS.

⚫ Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the State and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections- India and Odisha.

⚫ Issues relating to development and management of social sector/ Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources - India and Odisha.

⚫ Issues relating to poverty and hunger-Sustainable Development Goals.

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the State and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections- Odisha.

vulnerable sections of the population

SCs & STs, Women & Children, Disabled, Elderly People, Transgenders, Beggars and other Destitute

(Art-46, Indian Constitution)-The Slate shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Odisha occupies a unique position among the Indian States and Union Territories for its rich and diverse tribal population.
The scheduled tribes (ST) and scheduled castes (SC) constitute about 40 per cent of the State’s total population (ST-22.85 per cent and SC-17.13 per cent as per 2011 census).
About 44.7 per cent of area in Odisha has been notified as scheduled area. It extends over 119 blocks in 13 districts, covering ST population of about 68 per cent of the total tribal population in the State.
Out of 635 tribal communities in India, 62 are found in Odisha and 13 of them are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). There are 93 Scheduled Caste communities in the State

Special Development Councils (SDC)

The Government has set up Special Development Councils (SDCs) in nine districts which have the highest concentration of tribal population. These districts are Mayurbhanj, Kenonjhar, Sundergarh, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri. The Special Development Councils have representation from each tribe residing in the district. It is a State plan scheme for tribal development.
The Special Development Councils aim to conserve, document and propagate tribal culture, indigenous knowledge systems, and tribal resources. They also aim to transform the indigenous knowledge and unique culture into a means of livelihood. The SDCs organise exposure visits on various development issues, promote tribal languages and dialects for development communication and organise sports and youth activities. Above all, these SDCs aim at filling a critical gap to ensure last mile connectivity and provision of other basic minimum needs, which are otherwise difficult to obtain from normal development programmes.
The following projects have been completed by nine SDCs as on 31.03.2022 from the projects approved by them out of funds for 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2020-21(only for Malkangiri and Sundergarh districts):

i. 4531 sacred groves have been completed out of the 4684 proposed. ii. 789 tribal weekly markets have been completed out of 828 identified.
iii. Total number of 344 block level cultural festivals have been organised in 117 blocks. Out of the 9-district level cultural festivals targeted to be held, 6 have been completed.
iv. As many as 1773 Tribal cultural clubs have been identified out of which 1493 have been completed.
v. 1604 clubs were provided with musical instruments against a target of 1613.
vi. 716 Dance Troupes have been identified, empaneled, and were provided with dance costumes.
vii. About 10,605 tribal delegates have undertaken exposure visits out of 10,864 delegates targeted as a confidence building measure.
viii. Artisan Identity Cards have been issued to 36,309 Tribal artisans.
ix. Printing of 21 Tribal Bilingual Dictionaries and 21 Tribal Trilingual Proficiency Modules have been completed and these books have been distributed in all 30 districts.
x. Around 3019 Tribal Youth Clubs have been identified for providing sports kits for promotion of sports. Sports Kits were distributed to 2249 Youth Clubs.
xi. 42 Tribal Resource centres have been constructed in Sundergarh district out of 49 that were decided to be taken up.
xii. Land has been identified for construction of Tribal Museums in all the 9 SDCs districts and construction of boundary walls for the museums has been completed in 5 districts namely Gajapati, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Sundargarh.

Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006

Odisha has implemented the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dweller (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. As on 31st March 2022
A new State Sector Scheme titled “Mo Jungle Jami Yojana” has been mooted with the objective to enable saturation of rights recognition process under FRA, 2006. In principle approval has been received from the Finance and the Planning & Convergence Department.

Protection of Civil Rights of SC and ST

Legal Aid Assistance ( Art 39A, Constitution)- Article 39A imposes an obligation on the State to provide free legal aid to ensure access to justice for all citizens.

Legal aid is being extended to SCs/STs to fight cases for establishing their rights, titles, interest, and possession over disputed land and also for cases under the PCR (Protection of Civil Rights) Act, 1955 and the POA (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The State Government has opened 390 legal aid cells in 314 Block Head Quarters by engaging 697 legal retainers (30 in district headquarters, 46 in Sub-Divisional Headquarters and in 314 blocks of the State).
The retainers have been trained to provide free legal services to ST/SC people. Besides this, the State Government has set up 3 special courts in Balasore, Bolangir, and Cuttack for speedy trial of cases.

Inter-Caste Marriages

Cash incentive of INR 2.5 lakh is being provided for inter-caste marriages between SCs and other castes of Hindu communities to foster social integration and removal of untouchability.
During 2021-22, 2,428 beneficiaries received INR 53.94 crore as incentives for inter-caste marriage and 2,768 beneficiaries received INR 27.2 crore as Monetary Relief under Atrocities Act.

Odisha PVTG Empowerment and Livelihood Improvement Programme (OPELIP).

OPELIP has been launched in 12 districts of Odisha viz. Malkangiri, Rayagada, Angul, Deogarh, Ganjam, Nuapada, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Mayurbhanj covering 1,125 villages and 89 Gram Panchayats of 22 blocks.
17 micro projects are being implemented from 2016-17 to 2023-24 with a financial outlay of INR 711.25 crore for 96,651 targeted households.
Its objectives are to improve food and nutrition security, reduce poverty, support livelihood opportunities adopted by tribal communities, build the capacity of targeted households, improve their agricultural practices, promote income generating micro-enterprises, ensure access to education, health and other services and improve community infrastructure.
During 2021-22, funds to the tune of INR 44.43 crore were utilised and for the benefit of 39,396 people under the scheme.

Mission Jeevika

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides funds under Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-scheme (SCA to TSS) as an addition to State Plan funds for Tribal Development in Odisha.
This grant is basically utilised for economic development of tribals residing in the Tribal Sub-plan (TSP) areas.
The livelihoods of rural “Scheduled Tribe” (ST) communities are mostly dependent on forest, agriculture and animal husbandry. Over the years, livelihood promotion initiatives for tribal communities were primarily undertaken through the ‘Integrated Tribal Development Agencies’ (ITDA), under the administrative control of ST and SC Development Department.
A new cluster approach of taking a holistic view of the tribal livelihood ecosystem was launched in the year 2019 by promoting cluster-based diversified and gainful livelihoods to raise the income levels and thereby the living standard of the tribal communities.
ST & SC Development Department has been implementing "Livelihood Cluster Development Programme" since 2019 to ensure access to improved and sustainable livelihoods for tribal people in the Tribal Sub-Plan Blocks. Livelihood interventions suitable to the local conditions, available resources, and capacities of the tribal communities are being taken up in clusters under Mission Jeevika. The broad objectives of the Mission Jeevika Livelihood Development Programme are:

Holistic development of livelihood clusters through planned interventions to achieve the main objective of raising income levels and thereby living standards of the tribals.
Under the cluster development programme, tribal beneficiaries shall be facilitated to take up market linked production of few identified livelihood interventions covering minimum of 50 acres for a farm-based cluster and minimum of 100 beneficiaries in case of any off-farm cluster in a contiguous patch.
Development of livelihood clusters will give sustainable competitive advantage of the identified activities through introduction of better production practices, scale of production, better access to quality raw material, skill development, inputs support and marketing assistance.
Formation of cluster-based producer groups & registration under a suitable Act to protect their product collectivisation, processing, value addition, social and economic needs including marketing, etc.
To increase the annual income of at least 200 families in identified TSP blocks by 30 per cent in the first year.
To bring fallow land, wasteland, FRA land and other unutilised land under cultivation and making them more productive through cluster development initiatives.

The Annual Action Plan for Mission Jeevika aims to cover more than 1 lakh tribal families annually. Under this scheme, convergence of Special Central Assistance with National/ State flagship schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Biju Krushak Vikas Yojana (BKVY), etc. are being done for sustainable livelihoods and enhanced household income thereby raising the socio-economic status of tribal people.
The various activities under this scheme include agriculture and horticulture development, farm mechanisation support, creation of irrigation potential, promotion of livestock, pisciculture, NTFP, Lac, rubber, and sericulture, establishment of production processing units, provisioning of market facility along with financial assistance. training and input support to Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Groups for various Income Generation Activities (IGA) in cluster mode.

Odisha Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Finance Co-operative Corporation Limited (OSDFC)

OSFDC was established in the year 1979-80 to take up various economic programmes for the benefit of the poor Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Scavengers of the State. The following programmes are being implemented by OSFDC for livelihood and Skill Development of SC population in the State.

Bankable Income Generating Schemes

Under this scheme, OSFDC provides subsidy to Scheduled Caste Self Help Groups for implementation of different Income Generating Schemes through Banks across diverse sectors like Agriculture and Soil Conservation, Animal Husbandry, Fishery, Horticulture Development, Minor Irrigation, Industry Service and Business Sector.
Under the programme, OSFDC pays back-end subsidy of 50 per cent of the unit cost subject to a ceiling of INR 10,000 per beneficiary for Self Help Groups. The subsidy would be 50 per cent of the cost of the scheme or per capita subsidy of INR 10,000 or INR 1.25 lakh for the whole group, whichever is lesser, and the rest of the unit cost comes from the Bank loan.
From 2021-22 OSFDC has been implementing the programme in collaboration with Mission Shakti Department. During 2022-23, INR 651.80 lakh was utilised for this purpose.

Skill Development Training

OSFDC provides Skill Development Training to Scheduled Caste youth through different Government and reputed private training institutions free of cost as per the mandate given in SCA (Special Central Assistance) to SCSP (Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan) guideline.
PRAYAS(PRomoting and Accelerating Young and ASpiring technology entrepreneurs ) mandates providing Skill Development Training to ST, SC, OBC and minority youth across the State.
From the year 2021-22, this programme is being implemented by OSFDC as per the PRAYAS guidelines for ST & SC Development.
Under this programme, it is stipulated to provide placement to 70 per cent of the trainees post training completion are required to provide by the respective Training Institutions.

Infrastructure Development Programme

As per SCA guidelines, there is provision for utilisation up to 30 per cent of grants under SCA to SCSP for Infrastructural Development works in the villages with 50 per cent or more of SC population and lacking adequate infrastructural facilities to foster overall development of SCs.
Infrastructural facilities for improving drinking water facilities, roads connectivity, electricity etc. are taken up under this programme. Besides, Infrastructure development of PMAGY(Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana ) villages is also given priority. During 2021-22, INR 393 lakh was utilised for this purpose.

Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana

The objective of the scheme is to ensure integrated development of selected villages with more than 50 per cent SC population, so that the minimum needs and access to basic services of all sections of the society are fulfilled so as to enable dignified living.
The villages are selected by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India based on their SC population. For overall development of villages both Central and State Governments grant funds on 50:50 ratio basis.
For each village, a fund of 20 lakh each is provided by Central and State Governments. During 2022-23, INR 4452.68 lakh was utilised to develop 825 villages under this programme.

Disabled and Elderly Persons

Support to the Elderly

The elderly in Odisha (aged 60 and above) account for close to 9.5 per cent of the State’s population (Census 2011). In the next few decades, the proportion of elderly is expected to increase. In old age, the need for health care increases. It is imperative to understand the socio-economic conditions of the old-aged people and prepare an appropriate policy response for them in terms of pension requirements and health care infrastructure.
Odisha was the first State in the country to launch the programmes for prevention and control of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke and the programme for health care for elderly in 2010-11. Apart from this, medical care financed through Odisha Treatment Fund, Old Age Homes with financial support from the Government and Emergency Feeding Programme in the KBK region include other State schemes for elderly in Odisha. Several schemes for welfare of elderly are discussed below.

Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY)

MBPY was introduced in the State of Odisha w.e.f. 01/01/08 by merging two pension schemes. i.e., Old Age Pension and Odisha Disability Pension schemes. All the beneficiaries being covered under both the schemes are treated as beneficiaries under Madhu Babu Pension Yojana since its inception.
At present 28,33,704 beneficiaries have been covered under the scheme with a budget provision of INR 1742.50 crore. The budget provision for 2022-23 under the scheme is INR 1822.94 crore. INR 500 is provided per beneficiary per month up to the age of 79 years and INR 700 for 80 years and above and INR 900 for beneficiaries having 60 per cent disability and above 80 years of age.

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension (IGNOAP)

This is one of the components of the ‘National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) introduced by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Rural Development w.e.f. 15.08.1995.
Under this scheme, old age pension is provided to aged, destitute persons (male/female) of 60 years. The pension has been revised to INR 500 per beneficiary per month (INR 200 (GOI) + INR 300 (State Govt) up to the age of 79 years and INR 700 for 80 years and above (INR 500 (GOI) + INR 200 (State Govt).
This scheme has been transferred to the State Plan from the year 2002-03. At present, 14,18,631 beneficiaries have been covered under the scheme.
For the year 2021-22, an amount of INR 859.44 crore has been provisioned under the Programme. The budget provision for the scheme is INR 900.45 crore for 2022-23.
In addition to pensions, institutional care is essential to take care of the elderly people. In this regard, Government of Odisha has undertaken the following initiatives:

Old Age Home

In order to provide care and protection to elderly people, the State Government has been extending financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid through four voluntary Organisations at Nimapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, and Nayagarh.
This is a continuing Scheme. 100 elderly people (25 each from three Homes for Aged) irrespective of their sex, caste, creed, colour, and religion are provided free food, clothing, medical treatment, and recreation facilities in these institutions.
For the year 2021-22, a provision of INR 61.25 lakh has been made under this programme.

Integrated Infrastructure Complex (IIC)

Integrated Infrastructure Complex are being set up at the District Headquarters of all 30 Districts in phased manner. In the first phase, IIC has been set up in 10 districts. Each IIC will accommodate 400 persons including elderly and PwD.

Programmes and Activities for Senior Citizens

Abadana scheme has been launched by the State Government to promote welfare and protection of senior citizens in a mission mode. The main objectives of the scheme are to improve quality of life of elderly through provision of basic services and create facilities for comprehensive rehabilitation of elderly.
For the year 2021-22 there is a budget provision of INR 250 lakh for implementation of different welfare programmes for senior citizens in the State.
Also, the BAYOJYESTHA SAMMAN Award has been introduced in the year 2017-18 to recognise outstanding contribution of individuals and institutions in the field of elderly care.

Empowerment of Persons with Disability (PWDs)

As per 2011 Census, there were 12.44 lakh disabled people in Odisha. Numerous welfare schemes are being implemented to integrate the differently abled into the mainstream into the society.

Some of these are listed below.

Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY)

State Government provides INR 500/ INR 700 per month to persons with disability under the scheme. About 4 lakh disabled persons are covered under the scheme up to January, 2023.

Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDP)

Government of India has launched this scheme in 2009. Pension of INR 500 (INR 300 (GOI)+ INR 200 (State Govt) per month is provided to people (aged between 18-79 years) belonging to BPL households with severe or multiple disability.
At present, 90,754 beneficiaries have been covered under this Scheme. For the year 2021- 22, INR 69.05 crore have been provisioned under the Programme. The budget provision for 2022-23 under the scheme is INR 70.57 crore.

Bhima Bhoi Bhinnakhyama Samarthya Abhiyan (BBSA)

This scheme is being implemented since the year 2016-17 for identification, certification, and distribution of Aids/Appliances to the PwDs by conducting single window camps in each block of the State.
For the purpose, during the year 2021-22 about 309 BBSA camps were organised at district level and 41,247 nos. of PwDs have been assisted. The budget provision for 2022-23 under the scheme is INR 23 crore.

Accessible India Campaign

Government of India is providing assistance to the State for construction of barrier free environment under the Accessible India Campaign for PwDs.
Out of 203 identified buildings, 117 Government buildings have been retrofitted and made accessible under Accessible India Campaign (Government of India).
Till date 114 Govt websites have been made accessible through an agency (ERNET) selected by Government of India.
The Education and Research Network (ERNET) is an autonomous scientific society of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.

Scholarship & Stipend to Students with Disabilities

The State Government introduced this scheme during the year 1978-79 to award scholarships to day scholars among disabled students in schools and colleges to encourage them to continue their studies and to integrate them into the mainstream of society.
The State Government grants scholarships to students from Primary school level up to the University level at prescribed rates through DSSOs(District Socioal Security Officers). This is a continuing scheme. The budget provision for 2022-23 under the scheme is INR 16 crore.

Rehabilitation of Physically & Mentally Challenged, Socially Disadvantaged Persons

A scheme for rehabilitating the physically and mentally challenged, socially disadvantaged people has been operational since 2008-09. This scheme is demand driven and for the year 2022-23, a provision of INR 1594.06 lakh has been made to provide services to the disabled persons.
Campaign, Seminar & Sports State Level workshops, seminars, etc. are organised on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Children’s Day, World Disability Day, etc. For the year 2022-23, an amount of INR 500 lakh has been provisioned for the purpose.

Incentive for Marriage Between PwDs & Non-PwDs

A scheme called Award of Incentive for Marriage between Persons with Disabilities and Other Persons has been operational since 2013-14. The aim of the scheme is to encourage marriage of persons with disabilities (PwDs) with non-PwD persons so as to enable them to lead a dignified life in the society.
An incentive amounting to INR 50,000 is being provided for each marriage as per the scheme. For the year 2022-23, INR 1000 lakh has been provisioned under this scheme.

School Uniform for Special School Children.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2016 ensures free education to the child with disability in an appropriate environment till he/she attains the age of 18 years. Free education also includes supply of the uniforms to the school going children with disabilities.
The Government has introduced a new scheme “Uniform to the students at the special schools”. The aim of the scheme is to provide two pairs of free uniforms annually to the students of existing 103 such special schools under grant-in-aid fold. An amount of INR 80 lakh have been provisioned for the year 2022-23.

Special ITI for PwDs

A special ITI for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in the State is functioning at Jatni of Khordha District to provide skill development in different trades like electrical, fitter, welder, plumber, dress making, computer operator cum programming assistant, and beautician, etc. A provision of INR 80 lakh has been made in the year 2022-23 for this purpose.

Care & Protection of Intellectual Disability and Spastic Children

The State Government has introduced the scheme for Persons with Intellectual Disability and Protection of Spastic Children with an objective of creating awareness among the public as well as the parents of spastic children.
It aims to provide training and education to children with cerebral palsy, in order to make them selfsufficient. Financial assistance is being provided to Voluntary Organisations for this purpose.

Laptops for Visually Impaired Students

The Government of Odisha has decided to provide free laptops and voice recorders to the visually impaired students pursuing higher education. For the year 2022-23, a provision of INR 200 lakh has been made for the scheme.

State Commission for Persons with Disability

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 is a Central Act. Section 79 of the Act provides for an appointment of a Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in the State.
An independent Commissioner has been appointed as the Commissioner for Disabilities to safeguard the rights and facilities have been made available to persons with disability (PwDs) under the Act. For the year 2022-23, an amount of INR 144 lakh was provided.

Hostel for Women with Disabilities

To meet the accommodation needs of outstation women (students or employees) with disabilities, the Department has set up hostels with appropriate infrastructure.
Currently, there is one working women’s hostel within the campus of Nibedita Working Women’s Hostel and one student hostel each in Rama Devi and Sailabala College, for persons with disabilities.

Rehabilitation Centres including SIDR/ DDRCs/ARC/SIEP

Under National Programme for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (NPRPD), currently, there is a State Institute of Disability Rehabilitation (SIDR) and eight (8) District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs). The SIDR is at Bhubaneswar and the DDRCs are located in Khorda, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Phulabani, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Ganjam and Nawarangpur.
Funds are provided for staff salaries and maintenance of the SIDR and DDRCs. The Department has taken steps for setting up two specialised units, namely, State Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SIEP) and two Advanced Rehabilitation Centres (ARC) at Bhubaneswar and Sundargarh respectively.
For the year 2022-23, the SIEPs have been provided with INR .479 crore and for ARC, the provision is INR 501 crore.

Computerized Braille Press

A high-speed computerised Braille press has been established in Berhampur for supply of Braille books to the visually impaired students. For the year 2022-23, INR 20 lakh was provided under this scheme.

Skill Upgradation Training & Rehabilitation

The Department is supporting skill upgradation, training and economic rehabilitation of persons with disabilities (PwDs). For this purpose, PwDs are being provided vocational training.

Empowerment of Transgenders, Beggars and other Destitute

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWP)

Government of India has launched this scheme in 2009. Pension of INR 500 per month (INR 300/-from GOI+ INR 200/- from the State Govt) is given to widows belonging to BPL households and aged between 40-79 years.
Currently, 5,28,570 beneficiaries have been covered under this scheme. In the Annual Budget 2022-23, an amount of INR 31895.06 lakh has been provisioned for the scheme.

National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)

The scheme is one of the components of the National Social Assistance Programme, which is being implemented in the State since 1995. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to BPL families upon the death of the primary bread winner of the family within the age of 18 to 59 years w.e.f. 18.10.12.
A one-time grant of INR 20,000 is being provided to the bereaved families in each eligible case by the GoI. During this financial year, 19,224 beneficiaries have been identified under the scheme A provision of INR 4000. lakh have been made in the Annual Budget, 2022-23.

SAHAY

SAHAYA Scheme has been launched by the State Government in the year 2017-18 for rehabilitation of beggars and the destitute. For the year 2022-23, there is a budget provision of INR 1500 lakh under this scheme. All districts have conducted a survey of beggars and have put forth their plan for rehabilitation- for beggars in place as per the scheme guidelines.

De-Addiction (Non-Clinical) – Preventive Campaign

This scheme is being implemented from the year 2016-17. The aim of the scheme is to conduct information, education, and communication campaigns.
For this purpose, an amount of INR 320 lakh has been provisioned for the year 2022-23. Under the scheme, funds have been provided to NGOs to organise deaddiction campaigns for alcoholics and drug addicts.

SWEEKRUTI

SWEEKRUTI scheme has been launched for the implementation of different programmes for rehabilitation and welfare of transgender people in Odisha. For the year 2022-23, there is a budget provision of INR 300 lakh for the scheme.

Women and Children Development Initiatives

Health and Nutrition

The nutritional status of women impacts child nutrition and as well as the health of the overall society. Without proper nutrition, women and their children are at an increased risk of getting affected by diseases. Maternal and child nutrition includes preconception, antenatal and postnatal maternal nutrition, women's nutrition throughout their reproductive years, as well as foetal, neonatal, and child nutrition. Implementation of supplementary nutrition programme, universalisation of Anganwadi services, initiation of pre-school education programme, and improved infrastructure has contributed towards an improvement in the nutrition indicators of Odisha.

A. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme

ICDS scheme caters to children under 6 years of age along with pregnant and nursing women.
It comprises a package of six services to improve the nutrition and health status of beneficiaries. The services include Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP); Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE); immunisation; health check-ups; referral services and Nutrition and Health Education (NHED)

B. Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP)

Under SNP, Take Home Ration (THR) is provided in the form of chhatua and eggs to children (between 6 months to 3 years), pregnant, and nursing women. They are provided with 12 eggs per month. Additionally, severely underweight children, pregnant and nursing women are provided with laddus/chikkis.
Children of the age group 6 months to 3 years are also provided dry ration for consumption through other recipes. Food diversity is being promoted through introduction of millets in such recipes.
Pre-school children (3-6 years), who attend Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) are provided morning snacks, eggs, and Hot Cooked Meals (HCM) every week.
Fortified rice has been introduced for the 1st time across the State under HCM from FY 2021-22.

C. Allocation for ICDS and Nutrition

Odisha is the first State to introduce Nutrition Budget to assist key Departments such as Women and Child Development, Mission Shakti, Health & Family Welfare, Food Supply & Consumer Welfare and School & Mass Education for allocating resources in the budget for nutrition specific (direct nutrition centric) and nutrition sensitive (indirect nutrition centric) programmes and schemes.
The State tabled the Nutrition budget consecutively in third year i.e., Financial Year 2022-23. Total allocation for nutrition has increased over the years and the State has also made significant progress on various nutritional indicators. Universalisation of Anganwadi services, implementation of SNP, ECCE and improved infrastructure has contributed to achieving progress.
Incidence of malnutrition in the State has declined across all three parameters like wasting, stunting and underweight as per NFHS-5 report. There has been a 4.7 percentage point (PP) decline in underweight status from NFHS-4 (34.4 per cent) to NFHS-5 (29.7 per cent) whereas the national average reduction is 3.7 percentage point. Likewise, there has been a 3.1 percentage point decline in stunting from NFHS-4 (34.1 per cent) to NFHS-5 (31.0 per cent) whereas the national average reduction is 2 percentage point. In addition, there has been a 2.3 percentage point decline in status of wasting from NFHS-4 (20.4 per cent) to NFHS-5 (18.1 per cent) whereas the national average reduction is 1.7 percentage point.

D. Nutrition Interventions

Apart from the services provided under ICDS, the Department implements a comprehensive range of interventions to improve the nutrition status of children, adolescent girls, and women. The key interventions are as follows:

(a) Focus on the 1000 days from start of pregnancy to the child’s second birthday. This has led to improvement in indicators such as early initiation of breast feeding, exclusive breast feeding, complementary feeding, and continued breast feeding till completion of 2 years.
(b) Initiation of Complementary Feeding (CF) at six months through Annaprashan Divas: The concept of complementary feeding of an infant for the first time is observed at AWCs (Anganwadi Centres) on second Thursday of every month. Mothers and caregivers with 6-month-old children attend the AWCs for observance of a ceremony to feed the with cooked rice (anna) for the first time. Along with this, awareness about appropriate feeding, handwashing, and hygiene practices is generated. In addition, recipe demonstration using locally available food is carried out and Take-Home Ration (THR) is given.
(c) Spot feeding Nursing mothers and their infants are provided a boiled egg each thrice a week, for consumption at the AWC which is essential for improving nutrition standard of SAM/MAM Children. (severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM).)
(d) Management of Severely Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) : As part of the SOPAN, State nutrition strategy, Community based management of children with Severe Acute Malnourishment has been implemented in Koraput and Nabarangpur districts. This shall be scaled up to rest of the high priority blocks in 22 districts.
(e) Adoption of Severely Underweight and SAM children : Adoption of severely underweight and SAM children by the functionaries of ICDS is being implemented for ensuring improved nutritional status of such children. The programme entails early screening of children, timely identification, and referral for treatment at NRCs and regular follow-up in the community.

NOTE

As a part of MoU with World Food Programme, a mechanised THR unit has been set up in Ganjam district for production of fortified THR.
Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) package has been developed in association with WFP for improved nutrition and health practices.
This includes design for THR package, age-appropriate flyers, posters on THR products, animated recipe videos on the THR products, radio Jingle on THR products and social media collaterals.
Odisha secured top rank amongst the general category of the State Ranking for National Food Security Act (NFSA)

Top Five States in NFSA Index – Various States of India, 2022

Odisha-0.836

Uttar Pradesh -0.797

Andhra Pradesh -0.794

Gujarat -0.790

Madhya Pradesh- 0.786

E. Dietary Diversity

Fish-based nutrition in SNP

In partnership with World Fish(WorldFish is a nonprofit research and innovation institution that creates, advances and translates scientific research on aquatic food systems ), incorporation of fish products has been piloted into the food rations provided to tribals, underprivileged children, adolescent girls, and pregnant and lactating women in Mayurbhanj.
The pilot project has selected and trained Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) to produce hygienically dried marine small fishes for incorporation into THR of adolescent girls, pregnant and nursing women.
WSHGs were provided with appropriate solar dryers for hygienic large-scale production of dried marine small fish. This dried fish shall be certified by Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure adherence to packing, labelling and quality assurance protocols.

Introduction of millets in SNP

The pilot project includes provisioning of 2 Ragi ladoos per week per child in Keonjhar district and 4 ladoos per week per child in Sundergarh district in addition to the existing morning snacks under ICDS.
Millet has been introduced as Morning Snacks for 3 to 6-year-old children in DMF districts. Further, Ragi based Take Home Ration for Pregnant and Lactating Mothers and little millet khichdi for pre-school children in Koraput and Malkanagiri districts are introduced. Local SHGs have been roped in for training and preparation of a premix for the Ragi ladoos.

The benefits of the programme are:

The initiative will provide an additional source of income to women SHGs
An assured price to Ragi farmers is ensured
Programme will boost local production of Ragi and other millets
It will ensure improved nutritional status of children

F. Initiatives for Transformation of the Under-nutrition Scenario in the State

Strategy for Odisha’s Pathway to Accelerated Nutrition (SOPAN)

SOPAN is a State-funded targeted project that seeks to improve nutrition outcomes among nutritionally vulnerable beneficiaries. It currently, covers 125 nutritionally vulnerable blocks which are going to the expanded to all ICDS projects across the State.
It aims at improving nutrition outcomes of the vulnerable and marginalised by adopting a targeted approach for eradicating malnutrition and anaemia among adolescent girls, pregnant women, and children under 6 years of age.
The key features under this initiative include- special nutritional inputs (eggs/fruits) for adolescent girls, providing counselling services during weekly Kishori Diwas and linking to anaemia testing facilities (T3); providing additional THR to pregnant and lactating women, encouraging usage of iron and calcium supplements; strengthening nutrition of children under 6 years of age by providing energy dense THR, and comprehensive nutrition counselling services for their mothers especially for the SAM,MAM (Moderate Acute Malnutrition) and SUW (Severe underweight) children, strengthening complementary foods and feeding Millet Ladoo: Innovative SNP practices by promoting use of locally available diverse foods and organising AWC based feeding demonstration sessions.
As a result of this intervention, Odisha has witnessed an increase in the proportion of ‘children fed a minimal acceptable diet’ from 8.5 per cent (NFHS-4) to 20.4 per cent (NFHS-5).

Quality & transparency in Take Home Ration Management

‘Mo-Chhatua’ website, Management Information System (MIS) and App has been launched on 17th August, 2019.
This platform is being used as an interactive end-to-end platform for real-time monitoring of indenting, issue of work orders, production and supply of THR, and the settlement of payment to the THR producing SHGs. Mo-Chhatua initiative is first of its kind in India. Mo-Chhatua has won SKOCH Award(The award aims to identify and acknowledge exceptional projects, initiatives, and organizations that have made significant contributions in various fields.) in transformation category in January 2022.
Fixed day approach is institutionalised for mixing ingredients (23rd of the month) and also for distribution (1st of the month) to regulate its quality.
All members of 541 SHGs have been trained on preparation of THR; maintenance of accounts and ensuring quality and quantity. A training protocol has been prepared for this purpose. All district officials have also been trained on the usage of Mo-Chhatua software application.
The app and software together have enabled the stake holders to undertake the following activities in time ensuring quality: • Submission of indent in time by ICDS Supervisors • Issuing work order in time by Block officials • Quality control monitoring through the Mo-Chhatua App on a fixed day approach (23rd of each month) • Tracking of distribution to Anganwadi centres and distribution to the targeted community on a fixed day (by first day of each month) • Timely payment to SHGs (Maximum 7-10 days)

Community Based Crèches in hard-to-reach areas

Evidence shows that, maximum (80 per cent) development of the brain takes place in the first two years of life. Neglect during this stage, may render adverse impact on human development.
Therefore, 210 community-based crèches have been set up in the hard–to-reach districts of the State which include 30 each in Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts and 60 in Keonjhar district.
This enables working women in the lower stratum of the economy to pursue livelihood by dropping their children in crèches manned by the community.
Creche Resource Centre (CRC) has also been set up in hard- to- reach areas.

Kalika: Community based Creches for Children under 3 years of age

Kalika is a State-led strategy to promote appropriate care and nutrition practices among children under three years of age by establishing creches.

Rationale:

a. To strengthen Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices through provision of adequate nutrition, hygiene, and early stimulation
b. Support women to leave homes in pursuit of livelihood
c. Focus on the hard- to- reach areas which have higher burden of malnutrition

Key Features :

a. To provide a safe and secure environment for the children in a community set up
b. Undertake growth monitoring and prompt referral; length/height measurement at all crèches c. Age-appropriate care and stimulation; tracking of developmental delays
d. Provision of diverse complementary feeding 3 times a day; linkages with Anganwadi centre to ensure Take Home Rations and growth monitoring.
e. Linkages with VHSND(Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Day), routine immunisation and Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre.

Pada Pusti Karyakram

Pada Pusti Karyakram is a special programme to provide nutrition services in remote and hard-to-reach hamlets which either do not have Anganwadi Centre or are located far away from main Anganwadi Centre.
The goal is to improve nutritional status of pre-school Children (3-6 Years) in remote villages.
Spot Feeding of Morning Snacks and Hot Cooked Meals to children aged between 3-6 years is carried out in a decentralised manner through community participation.
Mother Groups voluntarily cook and feed children in the hamlet itself. Growth monitoring of children is undertaken once a month in the hamlet with active participation of mothers.
Pada Pusti Karyakram has been rolled out in 100 remote hamlets of ICDS project. Each hamlet has Mother’s groups that undertake group-based spot feeding of children as per ICDS food menu.
This programme has been piloted in Muniguda block of Rayagada and will be scaled up across the State.

Social Empowerment

The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It grants equality to women and empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women.
SDG 5 also calls for ending all kinds of discrimination against women and girls, as it is not only a basic human right, but also crucial for a sustainable future as women empowerment plays a vital role in economic growth and development.
Women, however, experience considerable disadvantage and discrimination in the society due to gender bias. This bias reveals itself in the form of disparities in access to education, health services and other social development indicators.
The sex ratio in Odisha compares favourably with the national average. As per Census 2011, there are 979 females for every 1,000 males in Odisha. Similarly, in rural Odisha, the sex ratio is higher (989) and in urban Odisha, it stands at 932. In comparison, India’s sex ratio is 943. Odisha is ranked among the top five major States in terms of sex ratio. The child sex ratio of the State (941) is better than the national standard (918) but its declining trend is a major concern.
The State Government has implemented the Biju Kanya Ratna Yojana (Amari Jhia Amari Shakti) with the objective of creating an enabling environment for the birth, survival, and development of the girl child along with improved enrolment and retention of girls in educational institutions. The focus is largely on creating mass awareness on addressing gender discrimination against girls, improving status of nutrition, health, and education, and increasing sex ratio at birth and child sex ratio. Launched in September 2016 in the districts of Angul, Dhenkanal and Ganjam, which have low child sex ratio, the programme aims to sensitise the community as well as all stakeholders about the importance of girl child.
Odisha State Policy for Girls and Women adopted in 2014, aims to create an enabling environment for girls and women to promote equal opportunities, eliminate discrimination, ensure holistic development and empowerment, and enhance capacities. As discussed in the previous sections, female literacy rate (64 per cent) in Odisha is much lower than male literacy rate (81.6 per cent). Considering the historically underdeveloped status of Odisha, there is clearly a large gap to be filled in order to bring female literacy rate at par with males. However, Odisha is on the path of steady progress and female literacy rates have increased in the past few decades, which has resulted in a reduction of the gender gap from 24.9 per cent in 2001 to 17.6 per cent in 2011.
Even as Odisha has made improvements in education indicators, there is a long way to go in terms of achieving gender parity in access to education. Median years of schooling in Odisha for females (4 years) is lower than males (6.1 years); this phenomenon is also pervasive across the country. Though the dropout rate in 2017-18 for girls was lower than that for boys, for most of the preceding years, it has been higher. GPIs(Gender Parity Index) at elementary and secondary level are more than 0.9; the State targets to reach complete parity with GPI of 1.

To achieve progress on these indicators, the State has been implementing several initiatives to empower women and foster their socioeconomic development.

A. State intervention on Gender Mainstreaming

Odisha Government made concerted efforts in sensitising and implementing various schemes and programmes for women. These schemes and programmes have a direct and indirect bearing on the welfare and development of women in the State especially in the sphere of health, protection, employment, education, etc. These include state sector schemes, central sector schemes, Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
Odisha has improved its healthcare facilities targeting women, as is evident in the progress made in reduction of maternal mortality ratio, access to healthcare facilities for pregnant women and increase in proportion of institutional births. The State now ranks above national average and most states in maternity care indicators. Odisha’s institutional delivery rate increased from 85.3 per cent (NFHS-4) to 92.2 per cent (NFHS-5) and has been higher than the all India average of 78.9 per cent (NFHS-4), and 88.6 per cent (NFHS-5). In other indicators also, Odisha has fared reasonably well.

B. Initiatives taken for enabling women to lead life with self-esteem in Odisha

To improve the quality of life of women, Government has launched several schemes and provisions to support women in distress. These schemes not only provide immediate support to the aggrieved girls/women but also help them in developing their skills so as to increase their livelihood opportunities. Some of these are listed below.

Swadhar Greh

Swadhar Greh Scheme envisages a supportive institutional framework for women in distress so that they could lead their life with dignity. The objective is to cater to the primary needs such as shelter, food, clothing, medical treatment, and care of women in distress without any social and economic support. There are 53 Swadhar Greh in Odisha providing shelter to approximately 1,703 women.

Ujjawala Scheme Don’t be confused with ( Ujala-LED, UJJWALA-LPG Cylinder)

The objective of the scheme is to prevent trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation through social mobilisation, involvement of local communities, awareness generation programmes, and generation of public discourse through workshop, seminars, etc. Out of 19 Ujjawala projects operationalised in Odisha, 12 Ujjawala Homes are being operated in the State.

One Stop Centre

SAKHI is a hospital based One Stop Centre aimed to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and to facilitate immediate, emergency, and non-emergency access to an integrated range of services including medical, legal, psychological, and counselling support. There are 30 operational One Stop Centres across 30 Districts of the State. During 2021-22, as many as 1,317 awareness programmes were organised.

181 Women Helpline Number

The 24 hours toll free service provides support to women affected by violence to seek support and information. The centre facilitates crisis and non-crisis intervention through referral to the appropriate agencies. It also provides information about the appropriate support services, Government schemes and programmes.

Working Women’s Hostels

With the objective of providing safe and affordable hostel accommodation for working, single, divorced, and separated women, Government of Odisha has constructed 4 Working Women’s Hostel in the districts of Khordha, Jajpur, Sundargarh and Jharsuguda. The 100 bedded hostels also have provisions of day care centres to support children of working women. Besides, 4 more hostels are under construction in districts Sambalpur, Ganjam, Dhenkanal and Rayagada.

Child Marriage Free State

Odisha is intensively working with partner agencies to make the State child marriage free by 2030. Various districts like Ganjam, Koraput etc. have launched innovative programmes to gather support to the cause and make their districts child marriage free. By January 2022, 10,000 villages across the State had been declared child marriage free.

Reaching out and empowering Adolescents

ADVIKA is a unique initiative of the State aiming to educate and empower all adolescent girls and boys (10- 19 years age) to understand the importance of health and nutrition, and practice life skills to voice their opinions. It is a coordinated platform for linking all Government schemes targeted towards adolescents.
Saturdays are observed as ‘Kishori Diwas’. On this day the Anganwadi Worker engages the adolescent girls and boys in numerous life skill activities through a basket of resources developed as part of the ADVIKA Tool Kit.
Within a span of one year, Advika has reached out to a million girls and more than 1.5 lakh Sakhi- Saheli (Peer Leaders) have been identified and engaged through ADVIKA to act as agents of change.
Sakhi-Sahelis raise their voices for improving health and nutrition, mobilising communities, supporting frontline workers in home visits, promoting ‘no to child marriage, Yes to School’, and participate in Gram Sabha and ‘Day for Children’ meetings in panchayats. To promote digital literacy and enable digital engagement, WhatsApp groups of adolescents have been created. Efforts are being taken for inclusion of families, men, and boys as accountable partners through programmes under Mainstreaming.

State Commission for Women

The Commission has organised District level Camp court to deliver justice at doorstep. Besides, legal awareness camps have also been organised at the district level to create awareness among the women regarding legislation and different Govt schemes and programmes for safeguarding the interest of women in Odisha. During 2020-21, 2,129 cases have been disposed of by the Commission benefiting 2,114 women.

Odisha State Social Welfare Board

It organises regular welfare activities and seminars to generate awareness in the community about women’s problems and service grants from the Central and State Governments for the purpose of welfare programmes.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence

Protection Officers have been appointed at district level to address the issues of Domestic Violence under Protection of Women from Domestic violence Act 2005 (PWDV Act 2005). All the Swadhar Homes, Ujjawala Homes, Short Stay Homes and Family Counselling Centres are declared as Service Providers.

Protecting against Crime

To facilitate integrated approach towards Crime against women and children, 537 Mahila Sishu Desks have been set up in every police station in convergence with Home Department

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013

The Act aims to provide protection against Sexual Harassment of women at workplace and for prevention, redressal of complaints of sexual harassment. Local Complaints Committees (LCC) are formed and notified in all 30 districts. Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) have been formed at Departments/Directorates/Corporations. Trainings have been provided to the members of ICCs and LCCs. IEC activities such as FAQ, booklet and Leaflet distribution in English and Odia have been taken up.

Economic Empowerment

Women Empowerment is one of the key development initiatives supported by the Government of Odisha. It is well-known that the economic empowerment of women significantly contributes to their social empowerment.
Therefore, the promotion of Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the aegis of the ‘Mission Shakti’ programme was adopted as a key strategy for achieving women empowerment. “Mission Shakti” is the self-help mission for empowering women through the promotion of Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) to take up various socioeconomic activities. It aims to empower women through gainful activities by providing credit and market linkage.
To strengthen the activities of the existing SHGs and to provide momentum for the formation of new SHGs, constant handholding and monitoring are undertaken throughout the year. For this purpose, in 2021, a separate Department of Mission Shakti has been created.

A. Livelihood Support through Business Activities Assigned to SHGs

B. MARKETING SUPPORT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROMOTION

C. Financial Inclusion

A. Livelihood Support through Business Activities Assigned to SHGs

In a pioneering move, the State Cabinet approved the provisioning of Government services and procurement of goods through SHGs in a structured manner amounting to Rs 5,000 crore over five years.

Paddy Procurement (Food Supply & Consumer Welfare Department)

Almost two-thirds of the population in Odisha is dependent on agriculture and the main crop is Paddy. Breaking traditional gender stereotypes, in 2019, Mission Shakti self-help groups were engaged in paddy procurement.
SHGs selected by the district-level committees were provided training on paddy procurement using the digital platform. Equipped with P-PAS digital technology, iris scanner, laptops etc, during 2021-22 Kharif Season, 223 SHGs undertook the online registration of farmers for paddy procurement.
Till date, 562 SHGs from 20 districts have participated in paddy procurement in Odisha. During 2021-22, 18,60,392.39 MT of paddy has been procured, enabling the SHGs to earn a net service charge of INR 28.73 crore.

Electricity Meter Reading, Billing and Collection of Charges

To increase livelihood of Women SHGs, Mission Shakti in Convergence with the Department of Energy has engaged women SHGs and Federations in electricity meter reading and collection of charges. Members have been engaged by Distribution Companies (DISCOMs under the Energy Department across the State).
1,317 SHGs in 21 districts across the State have been involved which resulted in increased bill collections accompanied by a decrease in meter tampering thereby increasing the transparency of the entire process.
In the current financial year, Mission Shakti members have reached out to 9,43,811 consumers, accruing INR 10.15 crore as charges in the process. It is noteworthy that Mission Shakti SHGs have been able to perform better than other agencies in this largely male-dominated sector.

Support to Farmers for Layer Farming in Deep Litter System in SHG Mode

Poultry has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in providing employment to a significant number of people in the State. Poultry rearing is undertaken mostly for egg and meat production.
The widespread distribution of poultry birds reduces extreme poverty. In addition, given the variability of food prices in the rural markets, poultry serves as a cost-effective option to obtain animal-source food.
To boost poultry production in the State, Agriculture Status has been accorded to poultry farming. Besides, Semi Commercial Layer farming in a deep litter system helps in meeting the nutritional requirement of the growing rural population while becoming an additional source of income for the women farmers.

Training and On-Farm Extension Support to SHGs for Pisciculture in Gram Panchayat Tanks

The Government has identified fish farming as one of the potential business activities for the SHGs. Therefore, an inter-departmental convergence program involving Departments of Fisheries & Animal Resources, Women and Child Development & Mission Shakti, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water with technical support from World Fish was mooted and a flagship scheme named Electricity Meter reading and bill collection by Women SHG earning livelihood in Pisciculture“Fish Farming in Gram Panchayat Tanks by Women SHGs” was launched during September 2018.
The scheme provided financial support of INR 90,000 per hectare to SHGs, which includes 60 per cent of the operational expenses for fish production. Two-crop system per year by promotion of stocking of zero-size fish fingerlings (50– 100 gram size) was encouraged for doubling the productivity of GP tanks. The target production is 2.5 tons/ha/ crop of 6 months or 5 tons/ha / year. During 2021-22, 1,882.6 hectares of GP tanks have been earmarked for lease to SHGs. During the financial year, 1,823 SHGs were engaged in pisciculture and harvested more than 12,339.14 quintals of fish from GP tanks with a market value of INR 158.96 crore earning a profit of INR 70.73 crore.
The scheme has brought a remarkable change in the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of SHGs towards fish farming. Due to the scheme, the availability of fresh fish in the villages has increased. In addition, there has been an increase in fish consumption among SHG members which is expected to have a positive impact on nutritional outcomes among women and children in the State.

Livelihood support to Women SHGs through Horticulture - Mushroom and Vegetable Cultivation on a commercial scale

Mushroom Cultivation is one of the most sustainable income-generating activities for Self Help Groups of Mission Shakti due to low investment and less space needed for cultivation. In convergence with the Directorate of Horticulture, Mission Shakti SHGs across the State have taken up Mushroom Cultivation.
This led to an increase in women farmers’ income and created rural entrepreneurship. Similarly, as Odisha is an agrarian State, most households depend on agriculture and allied sectors to sustain their livelihoods. Capitalizing on their traditional knowledge of horticulture, members of many Mission Shakti SHGs have also taken up the management of farm-based resources and initiated vegetable cultivation across 30 districts. This promoted nutrition security while creating an additional income source for the SHG members with less expenditure.

Supply of Pre-School Uniform to Anganwadi Centres (Department of W & CD)

Pre-school education is a crucial component of the package of services envisaged under the ICDS Scheme. It aims at universalisation and qualitative improvement of primary education, by enabling necessary preparation for primary school among children. SHGs/ Federations were involved in the supply of preschool uniforms in AWCs.

B. MARKETING SUPPORT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROMOTION

Marketing support to SHGs through Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS)

Department of Mission Shakti in partnership with ORMAS (Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society) aims to promote various livelihood initiatives and offers marketing support to women SHGs.
The objective of the project is to empower the rural women producers by marketing the rural products in convergence with ORMAS.
It aims to create micro-enterprises through Livelihood promotion and Marketing support emphasising on the need for formation and promotion of new Women Producer Groups (PGs), marketing/technology interventions, value addition through capacity building of the institutions and strengthening of the existing business incubation centres which serve towards capacity building of SHGs and PGs. 300 PGs have been formed and 274 PGs have been provided with IB & CB Fund.(Institution Building and Capacity Building)

Mission Shakti Bazaar

Boosting more than seven million women, from different districts and age groups, Mission Shakti Bazaar features eco-friendly and authentic arts and crafts, along with multiple product lines such as corporate gifts, stationery, home accessories, and fashion related items.
With a sustainable voice throughout their creations, the women artisans share ethical values regarding recycling and reusing materials.
Each of these unique pieces are ‘Made in Odisha’ to share the message that specialised handcrafted products are essentially worth preserving. There are 33 number of Mission Shakti Bazaars with 73 outlets. The turnover for the year 2021-22 was INR 3.32 crore and average turn over per SHG was INR 2.51 lakh.

E-Commerce

To accelerate women’s economic empowerment and facilitate the sale of SHG products by leveraging e-commerce and digital marketing, Mission Shakti has established an exclusive e-commerce platform for its women producers.
This transformative marketing initiative will augment women’s financial freedom in the digital era and increase their bargaining power by reaching out to buyers beyond the District, State, and National boundaries. Under this initiative, the construction of a ‘Mission Shakti Bazaar’ at the SIRD campus, Bhubaneswar has been approved by Government.

Agriculture Production Cluster

With an aim of doubling the farm incomes of 1 lakh women farmers in 12 tribal-dominated districts, Mission Shakti has been a part of the Special Programme on Agriculture Production Clusters (APC) launched by the Government of Odisha.
Over the course of four years, the programme intends to double the farm income of 1 lakh women farmers in 40 backward blocks.
Mission Shakti, as part of APC, helps SHG members to have better control and access to farm incomes by forming 363 Producer Groups and 30 Producer Companies. IB&CB funds worth INR 585.58 lakh have been disbursed, aiming at diversifying cropping systems, developing vital agricultural infrastructure, establishing local mechanisms for input services, assuring an improved package of practices, and encouraging the use of non-pesticide management approaches.

Millet Enterprises

Mission Shakti, in partnership with the Odisha Millets Mission (OMM), is supporting the establishment of Tiffin Centres and mobile food trucks under the brand name 'Millet Shakti,' generating potential opportunities for Self Help Groups and their Federations.
These cafes provide millet-based hot cooked foods, millet drinks, bakery products, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products. They will be run entirely by Women Self Help Groups and their Federations.
Furthermore, the organisations are assisting in the distribution of 'Ragi Laddus' to preschool children at AWCs. These programmes aim to popularise a variety of millet-based food products thereby providing nutritious and delicious options to people of all ages at an affordable price.
484 Ragi threshers were provided to selected SHGs for value addition to millets. 104 Millet Shakti tiffin Centres and 3 Millet Shakti Cafés have been set up. 21 SHGs in Keonjhar district and 38 SHGs in Sundergarh district have started production and supply of Ragi laddu mix to AWCs.

Mission Shakti Cafes

Mission Shakti Cafes have been established to increase livelihood opportunities and promote entrepreneurship among women in the State. Currently, 33 cafes are being operated in the State. As many as 1,04,712 number of SHGs were involved in income generating activities during 2021-22 generating a business of INR 2,592.05 crore

C. Financial Inclusion

SHG Bank Linkage

Under Mission Shakti, the SHG-Bank Linkage Programme is a major Financial Inclusion initiative, aimed at ensuring access to institutional credit for WSHGs.
During 2021-22, 3,10,819 SHGs were linked for bank transactions against a target of 2,80,150. The financial target was INR 6,002.52 crore and the achievement were INR 6,836.48 crore (114 per cent).

Mission Shakti Loan– State Interest Subvention Scheme

Government announced an Interest Subvention Scheme for SHGs to provide loans at an effective rate of zero per cent per annum up to INR 3 lakh, effective from 1st April 2019. It has been implemented to accelerate the SHG bank linkage programme in the State and to enhance livelihood promotion.
In 2021-22, Department of Mission Shakti has settled Interest subvention claims of INR 161.93 crore benefitting 2.87 lakh eligible SHGs. This has been the highest amount of interest subvention claim settled in any financial year since inception.

Settlement of IS Claims through the SHG Bank Linkage and Interest Subvention (BLIS) portal

The Department of Mission Shakti has initiated a dedicated MIS bank linkage portal to track the SHG bank linkage status and claim settlement under interest subvention with support from TCS, Tata Steel Foundation and Electronics & Information Technology Department.
The Bank Linkage and Interest Subvention (BLIS) Portal was launched by the Hon’ble Chief minister on 8th March 2021. Interest subvention claims amounting to INR 58.81 crore have been settled through the BLIS portal during FY 2021-22.

Engagement of SHG Members as Business Correspondent Agents (BCAs)

To ensure last-mile delivery of banking services in unbanked and under-banked Gram Panchayats, the Odisha Government made a historic decision of engaging Women Self Help Groups and Federation Members as Business Correspondent Agents (BCAs).
Cumulatively 2,203 SHG members have been on boarded as BCAs and the required devices have been provided free of cost taking support from NABARD and the Department of Mission Shakti. Transactions amounting to INR 979.94 crore have been undertaken by these BCAs.

Special Initiatives under Maternal Benefit

MAMATA is a flagship conditional cash transfer maternity benefit scheme of the State launched in September 2011. It aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality by improving the health and nutrition status of pregnant and lactating women, and their infants. The scheme targets to motivate pregnant and lactating women to seek maternal and child health services and adopt optimal nutrition behaviours and practice. It intends to partially compensate wage loss to working women so that they can take adequate rest and consume nutritious diet during critical periods of pregnancy and post pregnancy. This scheme is operational in 30 districts across the State.

Target group

The pregnant and lactating women aged 19 years and above for their first two live births, except all Government/Public Sector Undertakings (Central and State) employees and their wives are eligible to get benefits under the scheme.
The two live birth norm is relaxed for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) pregnant women from 2019 to 2024.

Benefits

The women receive INR 5000 in 2 tranches i.e., INR 3000/- after 6 months of pregnancy and INR 2000 after the infant completes the age of 10 months upon fulfilling certain conditions.
Under the scheme, money is transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. During the year 2021-22, INR 266.21 crore have been transferred to more than 5.18 lakh women beneficiaries.

5T and Mo Sarkar initiatives of MAMATA

To ensure transparency and make MAMATA scheme more citizen centric, hassle and paper free, an App based MIS integrated with a Mobile application has been developed by the Department of Women and Child Development under 5t’s initiative.
It is operational in all districts from 1st August 2020.The scheme is using 181 Helpline number for grievance management related to MAMATA scheme.
Provision of message in Odia language and transfer of online funds through IFMS gateway are the key features of the mobile application. More than 5594 feedback responses were completed by 31st March 2022.
Most of the feedback received from MAMATA beneficiaries was positive and the beneficiaries were satisfied with the services of AWWs/AWHs(Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) at the grass root level.

Child Care and Welfare

To ensure the best interest of every child in the State, the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Odisha Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2018 are being implemented by the Department of Women and Child Development and Mission Shakti.
All matters pertaining to apprehension, detention, prosecution, penalty, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of children in conflict with law and rehabilitation; adoption; reintegration and restoration of children in need of care; and protection have been taken up through the implementation of “Child Protection Services” "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" and one State Sector Scheme namely " Biju Kanya Ratna Yojana".

Child Protection Services

Earlier known as Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS). It is a centrally sponsored scheme with a funding ratio of 60:40 (Central: State). The Scheme engages all stakeholders including Government Departments, the voluntary sector, community groups, academia and, most importantly, families and children to create protective environment for children in the State.
Statutory bodies like Juvenile Justice Board, Child Welfare Committee and Service delivery structures like State Child Protection Society, State Adoption Resource Agency, District Child Protection Unit, Special Juvenile Police Unit are in place for scheme implementation.

Early childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

Early childhood is the most important developmental phase in a human’s life. During this phase, a child’s brain grows exponentially and foundations of a range of developmental competencies is established.
Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is one of the core services of the Anganwadi centres. ECCE is directed towards ensuring a stimulating environment with emphasis on providing necessary inputs for optimal growth and development of the children. A range of initiatives have been taken up for strengthening of ECCE in the State.

Nua Arunima curriculum

Early childhood care and education (ECCE) curriculum was revised and launched on 19thAugust, 2019. The revised Nua Arunima focused on pre-primary school readiness, corner activities, inclusiveness, and age specific school readiness activities by involving the parents and community in pre-school education of children aged 3 to 6 years in accordance with NEP 2020.

Mother Tongue based Early Learning programme

It was designed to strengthen Mother tongue based classroom interaction involving culture and context specific stimulation through action, songs, rhymes, stories, games, etc.
The initiative includes capacity building of frontline workers i.e., the preschool teachers, supervisors who monitor and handhold the AWWs, parents, and community on importance of Mother Tongue based preschool education. The programme is implemented across 7202 Anganwadis in the State.
The poor educational performance of children from tribal communities is linked to the language barrier they encounter when they begin formal education.
Nua Arunima Curriculum developed in 10 Mother tongue languages i.e Bonda, Munda, Koya, Kuvi, Kui, Saura, Shantali, Oram, Kisan and Juang was scaled up in the State. Second phase Desia, Bhunjia, Bhuyan, Gondi, Ho, adaptation and translation is in progress in collaboration with Academy of Tribal Languages and Culture (ATLC), SC&ST Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI).
Ghare Ghare Arunima/Kuni calendar, Vatsalya posters were developed and launched in 10 mother tongue languages.
‘First Language First’ (ECCE Policy 2013) helps children to comprehend better and prevents cognitive stunting.

Mo Bikash Patra

Child Assessment Card (Mo Bikash Patra) is being provided to all pre-school children to measure the physical, language, aesthetic and creative, motor and social development as per their age through observation and continuous participation process in preschool activities.
A total of 16.37 lakh children between 3 to 6 years of age have received the Mo Bikash Patra.

ECCE Day (Ankur Day)

The fixed monthly ECCE day named as "ANKUR DAY" is organised on 19th of every month at AWC level for strengthening Parent and community involvement.
It provides a platform for interface between AWW and the parents/community, to organise activities for advocacy, awareness generation, and establish community partnerships for optimum development of young children.

Ghare Ghare Arunima

In view of the continued closure of Anganwadi Centres due to COVID-19 pandemic, Ghare Ghare Arunima a colourful calendar with fun-filled activities, has been released and shared every month as per the theme of Nua Arunima.
The calendarised activities stimulated meaningful activities at home to make children school ready. This innovative approach caters to 16,13,775 Anganwadi children across 74,154 AWCs of the State. The program received the SKOCH Platinum award for 2021 in 75th ceremony.

Vatsalya (Renamed as Shaishaba)

Vatsalya/Shaishaba, a campaign to institutionalise care and stimulation of children under three years of age has been launched on 17th November 2020.
State has undertaken an innovative approach for strengthening brain development of under three children through a home-based parent led early stimulation program.
VATSALYA program includes activities such as mainstreaming parent/care givers capacity building, low-cost toy making by parents, stimulating touch, talk, play through WCD Mascot TIKI Mausi, posters on responsive parenting in 11 different tribal languages.
In addition, kuni calendar and flip book on happy parenting (Sukhada Lalana palana) are also provided.

Kuni Calendar

It is a calendar of activities focussing on psycho-social, physical and motor, language, creative and aesthetic aspects of Early Childhood Development (ECD). These are distributed physically and digitally to 17,00,000 families with children under three years of age.

Collocated AWCs 2021-22 (SSA/STARS/S&ME)

( Sarva Shiksha Abhijan/Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States/School & Mass Education )

Convergence meeting and plan of action were developed and shared with OSEPA (Odisha School Education Programme Authority) for implementation of the Balvatika and collocated AWCs for designing State specific curriculum and compilation of ECCE repository by WCD and SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training) and revision of pre-primary textbook.

Parents+ programme

Parent+ programme was introduced to strengthen the development of children under the age of three. Parent+ training Manual was developed both for the facilitator and communicator and more than 300 master trainers were trained on this module.
All the District Social Welfare Officers, Child Development Project Officers, and 1200 supervisors were orientated on parenting and brain development.
Parents Manual along with user friendly pictorial flip book, posters on nurturing care framework, Brain development, parenting, early stimulation, mother tongue -based transaction IECs(Information Education and Communication) were distributed to all Anganwadi centres to orient parents on the importance of early years, appropriate parenting during home visit, and parent and community interaction.