After rice scheme row, BJP and BJD in SHG credit war

Bhubaneswar: After subsidised rice, BJP and BJD on Tuesday locked horns over women self-help groups (SHGs) with both parties questioning the other’s contributions to the scheme while seeking credit for self.
A day after chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced Rs 125 crore interest subvention for the SHGs, BJP women’s wing president Smruti Pattanaik said the BJD government is in the habit of appropriating central schemes and lying to people by projecting them as its own.
Though the chief minister proudly announced the waiving of interest of women SHGs, of the Rs 125 crore interest subvention, the Centre’s contribution is Rs 88 crore and the state’s share Rs 37 crore. “The government’s announcement of giving interest-free loans to women SHGs is laughable,” she said.
Smruti said the BJD government has been largely branding the central scheme — Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana —National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under which SHGs are being promoted across the country and misleading the people as its own Mission Shakti scheme.
The BJD has made similar attempts on projecting the Centre-sponsored Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana, flight connectivity under UDAAN scheme and Janai Suraksha Yojana for pregnant women earlier as its own scheme.
BJD spokesperson Shreemayee Mishra said the BJP is trying to mislead the people because the state has been blessing the BJD for its good work.
“At a time when the state government has been trying to make women independent through the SHGs, the BJP leaders are terrorising the women and insulting them. Their anti-women stance is reflected in their statements and conduct,” said Shreemayee said.