By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/KENDRAPARA: With so far 42 positive cases including a death reported from Odisha in COVID-19 outbreak and entire the Naveen Patnaik administration put in action to contain the outbreak of the pandemic, the timely service of Women SHG Groups backed by towering leadership of Mission Shakati chief Sujata Kartikeyan, has brought many relief for the State Government as well as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in this eastern Indian State.
Sujata , who is wife of V Kartikeyan Pandian, 5T Secretary, always maintains a low profile and avoid media but since Government fighting COVID-19, the pride daughter of Kendrapara missing no stone unturned to reach out to the need and downtrodden in rural pockets during the COVID-19 crisis through Mission Shakti.
Mission Shakti SHGs have been able to produce and distribute one million masks . Masks are an important requirement in today’s time and meeting the public demand for masks are our committed SHG members.
Despite the tough circumstances, they continue to do their bit for public health. Made with locally available cotton , and sold at reasonable rates , the masks made by SHG women are protecting our communities while being used by people who have to come out and work . Many have also freely distributed these masks to health workers and needy people. We salute these SHG warriors for their service and leadership .
During the lockdown, SHG Members, assisted by District Administration, have been able to provide essential commodities through shops and mobile facilities. They have been instrumental in preparing meals for destitute and helpless people and prepared more masks.
Around 70 lakh mothers involved in SHG activities have been requested to do policing in their homes and to pursue their family members for secured home stay.
Commissioner-cum-Director of Mission Shakti, Sujata Karthikeyan, also expressed her gratefulness on behalf of the State Government to all members of women self-help groups (SHGs) in Odisha for their support in the fight against COVID-19.
“A network of around 70 lakh members of women SHGs was the first to spread the awareness message of the State Government on COVID-19 across every rural and urban area in the State in three days,” said Sujata Kartikeyan, Director, Mission Shakti. “The women SHG members have played a vital role in creating awareness in the State in record time,” added Karthikeyan.
