THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 15, 2026

 “The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is not just a law, but the flight of dreams of crores of women,” said Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, describing it as a transformative milestone in women’s empowerment in India.

Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan Town Hall meeting held at the Bhubaneswar Rail Auditorium, the Chief Minister highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken several welfare initiatives for women over the past 12 years, rooted in India’s cultural ethos. However, he termed the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, 2023 as the most revolutionary step in post-independence India for empowering women.

Majhi emphasized that the Act ensures one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, paving the way for greater participation of women in policymaking. “History shows that when a woman leads, she not only empowers herself but uplifts society and the nation as a whole,” he said. He added that women in India are no longer just voters but active participants in democracy.

Highlighting Odisha’s grassroots success, the Chief Minister noted that nearly 14.5 lakh women in the state have already proven their leadership as elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions. He said the Act would further expand women’s representation and reflects the Prime Minister’s commitment to women-led development.

Reiterating the state’s vision, Majhi said building a prosperous Odisha is central to achieving a developed India. He underscored initiatives like the Subhadra Yojana and the Lakhpati Didi scheme, aimed at making women financially self-reliant and economically empowered. “From Subhadra to Lakhpati Didi, this journey will bring prosperity to every household in Odisha,” he said.

Encouraging women, the Chief Minister said that women are advancing across all sectors in society, and with determination and willpower, there are no barriers they cannot overcome. He stressed that real development happens when rural women adopt digital banking and modern agricultural practices. The government, he added, aims to transform every woman in Odisha into a “Lakhpati Didi.”

Majhi further pointed out that developed nations have high levels of women’s participation in education, healthcare, and the economy, making women’s empowerment a cornerstone of development. He noted that Indian women are now excelling in all domains, including the armed forces, citing “Operation Sindoor” as a shining example. He called for widespread support for the Act and urged society to embrace women’s leadership from state assemblies to Parliament.

Speaking on the occasion, Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy stressed that women’s representation must be equally reflected in both Parliament and state legislatures. She urged collective support for the Act as a step toward inclusive policymaking.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, emphasized that ensuring dignity, equality, leadership, and self-respect for women requires their presence in Parliament. She noted that the Act will make the transition from Panchayat to Parliament easier for women. Referring to schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and Khushi Scheme, she said women’s empowerment is being ensured from the womb itself. She described Odisha as a model state for women’s empowerment and stressed the need for women’s participation, not just welfare.

Renowned litterateur and Jnanpith awardee Pratibha Ray said women embody strength in various forms — Lakshmi, Durga, and Kali — but inherently seek peace, not conflict. She remarked that if women are respected in every household, the destiny of the world would change. She also thanked the state leadership for giving due respect to women and urged women to discover and develop their inner strength.

Among others, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, noted sportsperson Anuradha Biswal, and eminent Odissi dancer Dr. Aruna Mohanty also described the Act as timely and progressive for advancing women’s empowerment.

The event began with a welcome address by State Women’s Commission Chairperson Shobhna Mohanty, while Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Mrinalini Darswal, delivered the vote of thanks.