The Odisha unit of the BJP has promised to promote self-help groups (SHGs) for unemployed men on the lines of SHGs for women.
The promise in the BJP’s manifesto for rural polls appears to be aimed at countering ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as women SHGs are considered an important vote bank for the regional party.
“The SHGs for men will address the issue unemployment at village level. It will prevent distress migration. Besides, we hope the SHGs will give meaningful engagement to youths who would stay away criminal activities,” BJP spokesperson Lekhashree Samantsinghar said here on Friday.