Chief Minister calls Nari Shakti Vandan Act a historic reform aimed at strengthening women’s representation in governance

Bhubaneswar, April 17:  The Nari Shakti Vandan Act is not just a law, but a flight of dreams for millions of women, said Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during a special कार्यक्रम.
He stated that the Act ensures one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, marking a historic step in strengthening women’s participation in governance. He emphasized that when a woman takes leadership, it benefits not only herself but also society and the nation.
The Chief Minister highlighted that in Odisha, around 14.5 lakh women are already serving as elected representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions, proving their capability and leadership. He said this initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will further enable women to actively participate in policy-making.
He also stressed that empowering women is key to building a developed India and a prosperous Odisha. Initiatives like the Subhadra Yojana and Lakhpati Didi scheme aim to make women financially independent and self-reliant.
Speakers at the event noted that developed nations show strong participation of women in education, health, and the economy, making women’s empowerment a crucial pillar of development.
Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy said that women’s representation in Parliament and Assemblies should be balanced and reflective. The Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister emphasized that the Act will help women move from grassroots politics to Parliament more easily.
Eminent personalities like Jnanpith awardee Pratibha Ray remarked that women embody strength, peace, and transformation, and honoring women’s power can change the world.
Senior officials including Chief Secretary Anu Garg, sportsperson Anuradha Biswal, and renowned Odissi dancer Guru Aruna Mohanty also described the Act as a timely and progressive reform for women’s empowerment.
The event concluded with a welcome address by State Women Commission Chairperson Shobhna Mohanty and a vote of thanks by Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women & Child Development Department, Muralini Dutta.