Bhubaneswar: The state government believes not merely in women’s development, but in women-led development, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said while inaugurating the 33rd Foundation Day celebration of the Odisha State Commission for Women at Lok Seva Bhavan Wednesday.
On the occasion, Parida, who also holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, released the commission’s annual report, newsletter ‘Bijayini’, publication ‘Passport to Women Empowerment’, the newly launched official website of the commission, and a compilation titled ‘Punarmilan’, featuring stories of successful reconciliation of couples.
Individuals who have achieved distinction in various fields were felicitated. Reaffirming the state’s commitment to strengthening women’s rights and empowerment, Parida said, “The state government believes not merely in women’s development but in women-led development.”
She reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate violence, crime, and gender-based discrimination against women and to ensure timely justice.
She appreciated the commission’s initiative of replacing traditional bouquets with fruit baskets during the celebration, describing it as a creative and meaningful gesture. Recalling her appeal to distribute fruits at Anganwadi centres to combat malnutrition at the grassroots level, she underscored that proper nutrition is a shared responsibility.
Parida commended the commission’s dedicated efforts and encouraged women to move forward with confidence and self-reliance, assuring continued support through various empowerment initiatives.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling stated that the foundation of a healthy nation begins with a healthy state, which can be achieved by safeguarding the well-being of women.
He highlighted key government initiatives such as the ‘Khu shi’ scheme, under which free sanitary napkins are provided to adolescent girls.
Referring to the state’s deworming campaign, Mahaling informed that medicines are being distributed to children aged 1–19 years and women of reproductive age (20–24 years).
He urged the members of the commission to sustain their dedicated efforts in bringing positive social transformation.
Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain highlighted the government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing skill development among girls.
He noted that through training at the World Skill Centre, girls from Odisha have demonstrated their capabilities at international platforms, bringing pride to the state.
He called for collective efforts to build a healthy, safe, and empowered society. Odisha State Commission for Women Chairperson Shovana Mohanty elaborated on the commission’s achievements in addressing gender-based violence and crimes against wom en.
She stated that cases relating to domestic violence, marital disputes, dowry harassment and dowry deaths, suicides, and sexual harassment at personal and workplace levels are being addressed through a structured grievance redressal mechanism.
