Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday hailed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 as the most revolutionary step for women’s empowerment in post-independence India. Speaking at a Town Hall meeting in Bhubaneswar, he stated that the act is not just a law but a medium for millions of women to realize their dreams by ensuring one-third reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
The Chief Minister highlighted that when women take leadership roles, they empower themselves and contribute to the progress of the entire nation. He noted that in Odisha, approximately 14.5 lakh women have already proven their capabilities as elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions. He emphasized that the central government’s historic move would further integrate women into the core policy-making process.
To complement national efforts, the State Government has launched the Subhadra Yojana to make women in Odisha financially independent. The Chief Minister shared his vision of transforming every mother and sister in the state into a Lakhpati Didid through various skill-based and financial initiatives. He remarked that true development occurs when women in rural areas embrace modern technology, digital banking, and advanced agriculture.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, reiterated that Odisha serves as a best-practice model for women’s empowerment. She emphasized that the goal is to transition women from being mere beneficiaries of schemes to active partners in governance. Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Surama Padhy, also lent her support, stating that equal representation in legislative bodies is essential for balanced societal growth.
The event featured insights from Jnanpith awardee Dr. Pratibha Ray, who urged women to discover their inner strength. Renowned personalities including Chief Secretary Anu Garg, athlete Anuradha Biswal, and Odissi Guru Dr. Aruna Mohanty also attended, describing the legislation as a timely and essential tool for building a developed India.