THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

Reaffirming the State’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and leadership, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday asserted that the government believes not merely in women’s development but in “women-led development,” while addressing the 33rd Foundation Day celebration of the Odisha State Commission for Women at the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhavan.

The event marked over three decades of the Commission’s efforts in safeguarding women’s rights and promoting gender justice across the State.

The programme was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida in the presence of Mukesh Mahaling, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, Electronics & Information Technology; Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education; and Shobhona Mohanty, Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women.

Addressing the gathering, Pravati Parida emphasized that 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. She commended the Commission’s dedicated efforts and encouraged women to move forward with confidence and self-reliance, assuring continued support through various empowerment initiatives.

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 “Khushi” scheme, under which free sanitary napkins are provided to adolescent girls. Referring to the State’s deworming campaign, he 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 State Commission for Women to sustain their dedicated efforts in bringing positive social transformation.

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.

On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister released the Commission’s Annual Report, the newsletter “Bijayini,” the 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 also felicitated for their contributions.

Chairperson Shobhona Mohanty elaborated on the Commission’s achievements in addressing gender-based violence and crimes against women. She stated that cases relating to domestic violence, matrimonial disputes, dowry harassment and dowry deaths, suicides, and sexual harassment at personal and workplace levels are being addressed through a structured grievance redressal mechanism.

It is noteworthy that during the financial year 2024–25, the Commission resolved 1,879 cases through hearings, reflecting its sustained commitment to protecting women’s rights and ensuring justice. To make justice affordable and accessible at the doorstep of victims, district-level court camps have been organized in coordination with district administrations.

In 2024–25, district-level court camps were conducted in Bolangir and Gajapati districts, where 14 cases, seven in each district, were resolved. The Commission has also intensified its outreach through district- and block-level awareness programmes aimed at enhancing legal literacy among women and strengthening institutional support systems.

These programmes engage working women, ICDS functionaries, ASHA and ANM workers, health personnel, teachers, lawyers, Panchayati Raj representatives, Self-Help Groups, students, civil society representatives, and members of voluntary organizations. In 2024–25 alone, 85 awareness programmes were organized across 26 districts, significantly expanding the Commission’s grassroots presence.

Officials of the Commission regularly visit correctional homes to interact with inmates and to ensure the safety and welfare of women inmates. The Foundation Day celebration also witnessed the presence of Commission Members Pratibha Satpathy, Urmila Mahapatra, Kalpana Mallick, and Mukta Sahu. Social workers from various districts, representatives of voluntary organizations, members of civil society, SHG women, and law students participated in the programme.