India, March 8 -- Women self-help groups in Odisha have become implementing partners for crucial government services

A remarkable transformation is underway in Odisha. A unique dedicated workforce of women from self-help groups (SHG) is delivering and leading crucial government programmes around the state.

SHG members today are Jal Sathis and Swachh Sathis . They take care of patient diets, provide subsidised food, manage city waste and faecal treatment plants and restore and maintain common urban spaces.

The Odisha government has taken a big leap by employing these women in delivering crucial welfare services and in a range of urban development programmes - from hospital diet management and subsidised meal programmes to ensuring water...