The 33rd Foundation Day of the Odisha State Commission for Women was celebrated at the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, reaffirming the state’s commitment to strengthening women’s rights and empowerment.
The programme was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha Pravati Parida. Dignitaries present on the occasion included 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.
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 felicitated.
The state government believes not merely in women’s development but in “women-led development, Deputy Chief Minister Paida emphasized while addressing the gathering.
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.
Health Minister 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).
The Minister of Industries 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 Sovana 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.