Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus hails poverty alleviation efforts of Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Noble Laureate and noted economist Prof Muhammad Yunus hailed the efforts of the Odisha government for successful implementation of anti-poverty programme in the State.

“The manner in which is the state government is making efforts to eradicate poverty is indeed praiseworthy,” he told media persons after his meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Naveen Niwas here this evening.

Yunus, who is the founder of Grameen Bank and known as the Father of Microfinance, also said that the Odisha government under Naveen has been doing a commendable job for the socio-economic upliftment of women in rural areas, especially the women self-help groups (SHGs).

He termed his meeting with Naveen cordial and will learn something valuable from the CM.

Naveen, expressing happiness after the meeting, said: “We had a discussion on poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment. We will seek the help of Prof Yunus for the development of women SHGs and the tribals. We are planning to set up rural banks in the state in line with the pattern Prof Yunus has set up in Bangladesh.”

Worth mentioning, the eminent Bangladeshi economist was honoured with the 11th KISS Humanitarian Award 2018 at a function held here on May 11.