Odisha launches Project BLESS to curb distress migration for 8.81 lakh families

The Mission Shakti Department of Odisha signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre for Research in Schemes and Policies (CRISP) and the NSE Foundation at Lok Seva Bhawan, in the presence of Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Mission Shakti Secretary Manasi Nimbhal. The agreement, implemented with the Odisha Livelihoods Mission, launches Project BLESS – a three‑year programme aimed at preventing distress migration by strengthening livelihood opportunities, skill development and entrepreneurship among vulnerable rural families.

Project BLESS will operate in 69 blocks across eight districts – Balangir, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Rayagada – covering about 8.81 lakh families and 86,468 Self‑Help Groups. Around 550 Jeevika Sakhis from SHGs will support implementation through SHGs, Cluster Level Federations and Gram Panchayat Level Federations. A mobile‑app based vulnerability assessment will identify families at risk and link them to sustainable livelihood options, credit, and government welfare schemes. Where migration remains unavoidable, the programme will provide fair wages, legal assistance and social security, while ensuring nutrition, healthcare and pre‑primary education for children of migrant families and enhancing women’s economic empowerment.