Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida strongly countered opposition allegations during the discussion on the expenditure demands of the Women and Child Development and Mission Shakti departments in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
She accused the opposition of spreading falsehoods and harassing beneficiaries of key schemes like Subhadra, while highlighting the government’s robust roadmap for women’s empowerment, child welfare, and economic self-reliance.
Parida emphasized that the government has a clear plan for the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana (Chief Minister’s Girl Marriage Scheme), which will be implemented **phased** across all **30 districts** of the state in the coming days. This initiative aims to support mass marriages for girls from economically weaker sections, promoting dignity and curbing child marriage.
Addressing claims that budget funds remain unutilized, Parida presented strong figures: The Women and Child Development Department has utilised **92.12%** of its allocated funds so far, while Mission Shakti has achieved **64.59%** expenditure. She noted ongoing construction and upgradation of Anganwadi centres statewide, along with new facilities like crèches in select locations.
The Deputy CM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s self-reliance, dismissing opposition views as mere slogans. She declared that Mission Shakti would accelerate further in the days ahead.
The budget focuses primarily on women’s empowerment, child welfare, nutrition, and livelihood development. Key allocations include:
- **₹634.52 crore** for new Anganwadi centers and crèches.
- **₹62.28 crore** for establishing 23 integrated Balasahitya Sadans across districts to strengthen child protection, combining child homes, welfare committees, and juvenile justice boards.
- Initiatives under Subhadra, including ‘Subhadra Shakti Sambad’ discussion platforms and ‘Subhadra Wellness Centres’ for women’s physical and mental health.
- The Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, providing **₹20,000** savings for economically weaker girls, maturing to **₹1,01,001** (including interest) after graduation (additional ₹3,000 for differently-abled girls).
- **₹11.83 crore** to prevent child marriage and promote widow remarriage.
- Interest subvention benefits for self-help groups (SHGs), with a target of **₹575 crore** interest waiver in 2026-27.
- **₹20 crore** for Mission Shakti scooter scheme in 2026-27.
- **₹263.86 crore** for livelihood and skill development.
- **₹85 crore** for infrastructure, **₹253.44 crore** for financial assistance to SHGs and federations.
- **₹45.70 crore** for skill enhancement programs.
- **₹70 crore** for women farmers’ empowerment projects.
Parida highlighted Mission Shakti’s success in creating **16.42 lakh Lakhpati Didis** in 2024-25. For 2025-26, **10.80 lakh potential Lakhpati Didis (PLDs)** have been identified to boost their income and transition them to full Lakhpati status.
These measures underscore the government’s priority on gender equality, nutrition, education, and economic independence, positioning Odisha as a leader in women’s welfare.
