Bhubaneswar, Mar 29 (PTI) The Congress on Friday promised to waive loans of women self-help groups if the party is voted to power in Odisha.

Addressing a press conference here, state Mahila Congress president Minakshi Bahinipati said, "If the Congress is voted to power in Odisha, we will waive the bank loans of women members of self-help groups (SHGs) under the party's Nari Nyay Guarantee."

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She said financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh per year will be provided to one woman each in all poor families under the party's 'Mahalaxmi Guarantee'.

The 'Nari Nyay' Guarantee also promised 50 per cent reservation for women in all central government jobs.

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The government will also appoint a para-legal in every panchayat as an 'Adhikaar Maitri' to make women aware of their rights and provide them with any necessary aid, she said.

Under the 'Savitri Bai Phule Scheme', the government will build at least one working women's hostel in every district, Bahinipati said.

Moreover, families with annual income below Rs 2 lakh will get financial aid of Rs 2 lakh for the marriage of their daughter, Bahinipati added.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)