Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday described the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 as the most revolutionary step towards women empowerment in independent India. Speaking as the chief guest at the “Nari Shakti Vandan Town Hall Meeting” held at the Bhubaneswar Railway Auditorium, the Chief Minister said the landmark legislation reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unwavering commitment to women’s development over the past 12 years.
“The Nari Shakti Vandan Act is not merely a law; it is the dream of crores of Indian women,” Majhi said. The Act reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, marking the biggest boost to women’s political participation since Independence. He added that when women lead, the entire society and nation prosper. “Today, women are no longer just voters but active participants in shaping India’s democracy.”
Highlighting Odisha’s progress, the Chief Minister noted that around 14.5 lakh women have already served as elected representatives in Panchayat Raj institutions, proving their capability and leadership. He expressed confidence that the Act will further expand women’s role in policy-making at higher levels.
Majhi linked the national initiative with state-level efforts, mentioning the launch of the Jugantakar Subhadra Yojana to make Odisha’s women financially independent. “From Subhadra to Lakshpati Didi, this journey will bring prosperity to every household in Odisha. Our goal is to make every mother in the state a millionaire,” he said, stressing the importance of women’s initiative in digital banking and modern agriculture.
The Chief Minister also praised women’s growing presence across sectors, including defence, citing “Operation Sindoor” as a shining example. He urged everyone to wholeheartedly support the Prime Minister’s vision and accept women’s leadership from the Assembly to Parliament.Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy emphasised that women’s representation must be equally reflected in legislative bodies. Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Pravati Parida said the Act will make the journey from Panchayat to Parliament easier for women. S
She highlighted central schemes like the Prime Minister Matru Vandana Yojana and stated that Odisha aims to position itself as a model state in women empowerment, turning women from beneficiaries to equal partners.
Eminent Jnanpith Award-winning litterateur Dr. Pratibha Roy said a woman embodies Lakshmi, Durga, or Kali as needed and always stands for peace. She called upon women to discover their inner strength and thanked the state leadership for honouring Nari Shakti.Senior officials including Chief Secretary Anu Garg, sportsperson Anuradha Biswal, and dancer Dr. Aruna Mohanty also attended the event and lauded the Act.
State Women’s Commission Chairperson Shobhana Mohanty welcomed the gathering, while Commissioner Mrinalini Darswal proposed the vote of thanks.The event celebrated India’s cultural ethos of respecting women and reinforced the collective resolve to build a developed India through empowered Nari Shakti.
