CM Mohan Majhi extends zero-interest loan scheme for women SHGs in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, April 15: In a significant move to empower women and promote entrepreneurship, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday approved the continuation of the zero-interest loan scheme for Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the state. Under this initiative, SHGs will be able to avail loans of up to ₹10 lakh without paying any interest.

According to an official release, the interest subvention benefit, which was previously extended until March 31, 2025, will now continue through the 2025–26 financial year and beyond, following the Chief Minister’s latest directive.

CM Majhi stated that the scheme will be instrumental in supporting women-led enterprises and creating more ‘Lakhpati Didis’ across Odisha. He added that increased participation of women in economic activities would strengthen both rural and urban economies.

The zero-interest loan scheme was originally introduced in 2019 by former CM Naveen Patnaik, offering up to ₹3 lakh in loans. The limit was increased to ₹5 lakh in 2022, and further enhanced to ₹10 lakh in February 2024, under the Mission Shakti programme.