Earlier in March, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had declared for the creation of the Mission Shakti department, which will be solely for Self Help Groups (SHGs).
He had said that the Mission Shakti department will work exclusively for the development of women in the state.
After an increase in the number of COVID19 positives in Odisha, a strict notification by the government has been issued to wear masks in any form available before venturing out of the house.
The outpour for masks has hence escalated. This has encouraged the Mission Shakti department to make cotton masks to meet the demand and also contribute to the fight against COVID19.