An initiative under the nomenclature of "Urban Wage Employment Initiative (UWEI)" was launched by the Government of Odisha on 18.04.2020 to provide wage employment opportunities for the urban poor in the wake of the COVID Pandemic triggered reduction of employment opportunities in the urban areas.

The scheme was launched for a period of six months, which was subsequently extended till March 2021 with the objective of providing wage employment opportunities to the urban poor through creation and maintenance of climate resilient & sustainable community assets in partnership with community based Institutions viz. Mission Shakti Self Help Groups (MSGS)/Federations, Slum Dwellers Association (SDAs) and similar other institutions. Encouraged by the overwhelming response of the targeted beneficiaries & other stakeholders and outcomes achieved in the implementation of the Initiative and also to address the long felt need for launching a regular scheme to provide wage employment opportunities for the poor and needy people of the urban areas, Government of Odisha is pleased to notify a scheme, "Mukhya Mantri Karma Tatpara Abhiyan (MUKTA)".