Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of the state-level International Women’s Day celebration, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said that the women of Odisha have developed a lot in the last 20 years. The state government is making all efforts to protect their political, social and economic rights.
Participating in a program organized at the convention centre in the Lok Seva Bhawan, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of respecting women.
Expressing his views on the progress of women in Odisha, the Chief Minister said that women in the state have now gained a reputation in politics. He said that out of the 30 district councils of the state, women are leading in 20. More than 50 per cent of women represent the panchayat and municipal bodies, he said.
Similarly, giving the example of ‘Mission Shakti’ in the field of economic development, CM Naveen said that women are contributing to their families by doing small business and earning money. This is a huge change and Mission Shakti boosted their confidence and inspired them to dream big.
The state government is also giving huge numbers of work orders to the women through Mission Shakti. The Chief Minister expressed his happiness and said that the women are also handling this responsibility very well.
“Now women have gone one step further and started a campaign to become entrepreneurs, said the Chief Minister. The state government is giving a loan of Rs 10 lakh without interest. Calling on the women, the Chief Minister said, ‘You go ahead, I am with you’.
Similarly, the Chief Minister said that the state government has taken many steps to protect the social rights of women and amplify their dignity. He said that the state government is giving more benefits to women in various schemes.
Under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, health services of Rs 5 lakh are available for all, while women are getting benefits of Rs 10 lakh. Girls get Rs 1,000 more in Nua-O scholarship. Women are travelling in the LAccMI bus at half price for only Rs 5. Not only that, Ration cards, BSKY cards, Pucca houses etc. have been registered in the name of women members of the families. If land is bought in the name of a woman, a lot of discount is given in the registration. He said that all these measures have increased the importance of mothers in society.
The Chief Minister said that women carry a lot of potential and opined that they can achieve a lot in life if they are strong.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister wished the women all the success in their lives and prayed for them to excel in all fields. He called upon the women to contribute to the formation of ‘New Odisha’.
At the event, Minister for Women and Child Development, Basanti Hembram, said: “Under the strong leadership and inspirational guidance of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the W&CD Department has launched various women-centric schemes such as Matukalyan Yojana, Mamata, Advika, Jagruti, etc.” She added that Mission Shakti has changed the lives of 70 lakh women in the state by implementing programs and improving the social and economic empowerment of women.
