In a high-level review meeting focused on advancing women’s empowerment and child welfare in Odisha, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi commended the state’s flagship Subhadra Yojana, highlighting its role in fostering financial independence among women. The session, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, underscored the government’s commitment to nutrition, protection, and education for vulnerable groups.
The meeting delved into the progress of various schemes under the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD), with Devi emphasising the direct benefits of cash transfers under Subhadra. “When government assistance is transferred directly to women’s bank accounts, it ensures their financial independence and empowerment,” she said. She also recommended initiatives like ‘Tithi Bhojan’ in Anganwadi centres and the observance of Poshan Diwas and Poshan Week to combat malnutrition. Devi stressed the importance of citizen-government collaboration to eradicate malnutrition, expressing optimism about Odisha’s trajectory through enhanced Centre-State coordination.
Echoing these sentiments, Deputy CM Parida, who oversees the WCD portfolio, affirmed that women’s comprehensive empowerment and child safety remain top priorities for the state government. She announced that the fourth instalment of the Subhadra scheme would be disbursed on International Women’s Day, March 8, with a focus on timely and transparent delivery. “Through coordinated implementation of Central and State Government schemes, Odisha is steadily moving forward in improving the quality of life of women and children,” Parida noted.
Discussions covered core areas including nutrition, protection, and education, with updates on programs such as Mission Vatsalya, Ashirbad, Jashoda, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. Special attention was given to challenges in remote and tribal regions, including malnutrition and child marriage, with calls for targeted campaigns to address these issues.
The gathering included key officials like Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr Mrinalini Darswal, Director Monisha Banerjee, and other senior WCD personnel. This review is expected to inject fresh momentum into Odisha’s welfare efforts, paving the way for a healthier and more secure future for women and children across the state.
