Odisha Tv
Though the Odisha government had earlier announced to provide electric scooters to the members of the Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the State under the Mission Shakti Scooter Yojana, it seems that the decision has been changed. Instead of electric scooters, the beneficiaries have been provided petrol-run scooters. The development has triggered resentment among the beneficiaries as they now have to bear fuel costs along with the EMIs of the vehicle.
While the government is giving a boost to Electronic Vehicles (EVs) by providing subsidies, the exception in the case of SHGs has raised several eyebrows.
As per reports, the State government had made a budget provision of Rs 50 crore under the Mission Shakti Scooter Yojana in 2023-24 to provide electric scooters for the mobility support of the Community Support Staff (CSS) and Executive Committee (EC) members of women SHGs. However, when the scheme was implemented, the beneficiaries were reportedly provided petrol-run scooters instead of electric ones.