Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of International Women’s Day today, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called upon every girl in Odisha to dream fearlessly. He encouraged them to move forward with confidence, breaking all societal barriers. The Chief Minister stated, “This is your time, your moment, and this is your Odisha.”
According to an official press release, the Chief Minister made this appeal during the state-level International Women’s Day celebration held at the Convention Hall of the Lok Seva Bhavan.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister emphasized that true empowerment does not mean merely providing financial assistance to women. Instead, it means granting them the right to make decisions at both the family and societal levels. He reiterated that his government is committed to achieving this broader goal of empowerment. He added, “We will empower the entire women population of Odisha, which constitutes half of the state’s population, economically, socially, and politically, enabling women to make decisions independently in all spheres.”
The Chief Minister noted that a new era of change has begun in Odisha, with the winds of transformation sweeping across all sectors of society alongside political changes.
The Chief Minister highlighted that his government has successfully implemented the historic and path-breaking “Subhadra” scheme for women’s empowerment. This is the largest scheme in Odisha’s history and a testament to the government’s commitment to rewriting Odisha’s development narrative. The scheme has opened doors for the empowerment of one crore women. He thanked everyone involved in the successful execution of the program.
Criticizing the previous government, the Chief Minister said, “They claim to be giving Rs. 27 per day under the Subhadra scheme. Can they say that in 24 years, they have given even 24 paise to uplift women? We will give Rs. 10,000 per year, totaling Rs. 50,000 over five years. Governments will come and go, but we must rise above politics and work for the betterment of women.”
To achieve the goal of women-led empowerment, the government will introduce new initiatives such as “Kishori Subhadra,” “Subhadra Sanchay,” “Subhadra Sakhi,” “Subhadra Yatri,” “Subhadra Sangh (Subhadra Club),” “Kuha Subhadra (Call Center),” “Subhadra Sahayogi,” “Subhadra Pandit,” and “Suyogya Subhadra.” He asserted that the government will not be deterred by anyone’s criticism in implementing these schemes.
As a testament to the government’s efforts towards women’s safety and security, the Chief Minister launched the state-wide “Shakti” app. This advanced digital system will act as a guardian angel for women, providing immediate emergency assistance at the click of a button. He stated that the app would serve as a shield of safety, a companion in distress, and a tool for empowerment for every woman in Odisha.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Odisha State Strategic Action Plan, which will be operational from 2024 to 2029. This plan will help combat child marriage.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Indian culture and tradition have always accorded women a high status. Women play multiple roles as mothers, daughters, and sisters. Ancient scriptures and texts contain numerous verses honouring women’s dignity. The tradition of worshipping girls (Kanya Pujan) is an age-old practice in our country. However, over time, various social evils and discrimination have pushed women behind men.
He stated that many steps have been taken to correct this historical mistake. Today, women are contributing significantly to various fields, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with men. The Chief Minister emphasized that when a woman is empowered, an entire generation is empowered. Hence, the government is focusing on girls’ education.
The Chief Minister noted that without women, there is no culture or civilization. He paid tribute to the contributions of legendary women like Gargi, Maitreyi, Sita, Savitri, Rani Lakshmibai, Kasturba Gandhi, and others who have shaped India’s history. Similarly, he remembered Odisha’s iconic women like Kuntala Kumari Sabat, Sarala Devi, Rama Devi, Malati Choudhury, Annapurna Maharana, Parvati Giri, Captain Laxmi Panda, and others who have contributed to art, literature, culture, and social service.
He also acknowledged the contributions of contemporary women like President Droupadi Murmu, Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.
The Chief Minister called upon everyone to join this victorious journey of women’s empowerment. He envisioned creating a future that is courageous, inclusive, and full of possibilities. He stressed the need to build a society free from gender discrimination.
During the event, the Chief Minister honoured district social welfare officers, child protection officers, and Anganwadi workers who have excelled at the state level. He also recognized individuals who have made significant contributions in sports and cultural activities.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Women and Child Development, Pravati Parida, stated that the government is committed to the prosperity and empowerment of women. She emphasized that without women’s safety, economic and social progress is meaningless. She thanked everyone working at the grassroots level for the success of the Subhadra scheme.
The event was attended by Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, UNICEF Field Services Chief Soledad Herrero, and other dignitaries.
Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, delivered the welcome address, while ICDS Director Monisha Banerjee proposed the vote of thanks.
