Cuttack: Issuing a strong warning to people involved in crimes against women, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday said tough action will be taken against those perpetrating such offences.
Speaking at the Republic Day celebrations at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, the Chief Minister said women constitute nearly half of the state’s population and the government accords top priority to ensuring their safety and dignity. “Safety, security and dignity come first for the government and we are fully committed to protecting women in our state,” said Majhi.
Stressing that state government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women, the Chief Minister made it clear that any form of violence and atrocities against women will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The conviction rate in cases of violence against women was low earlier but has increased after the current government came to power, reflecting stricter enforcement of law, he said.
Emphasising that jail is the only address for those involved in violence against women, the CM said violence against women will never be tolerated and the offenders will be given stringent punishment.
Sharing a detailed account of various welfare initiatives taken in the state, the Chief Minister said the government has launched several schemes aimed at empowering women, including the Subhadra scheme. He also said Odisha has taken a lead in implementing the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, which focuses on economic empowerment of women.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to strengthening women’s safety, CM Majhi said top priority is being accorded to ensure dignity and empowerment of women through both strict law enforcement and targeted welfare programmes.
“I would like to assure the mothers and sisters of the state on this occasion that our government is always working for your safety. If anyone commits a crime against you, they will definitely be punished. In cases of violence against women, all the accused have been arrested,” he said.
Asserting that there is no political protection for the criminals involved in crimes against women, the chief minister said the government has no mercy for them.
On farmers’ welfare, the chief minister claimed that his government has ensured the prosperity of farmers and has been purchasing paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal.
He said the input assistance of Rs 800 per quintal of paddy is being given for both Kharif and Rabi crops.
This apart, the government also supports farmers during unseasonal rains or cyclone damage, he said.
“According to the latest data, the monthly income of farmers in Odisha in 2022 was only Rs 5,112, which is the second-lowest in the country. However, with our government’s input support, Subhadra, PM Kisan and CM Kisan schemes, the annual income of each farmer family has increased by at least Rs 61,000 as there is one Subhadra beneficiary in every farmer family,” Majhi said.
He said the state government has set a goal to multiply the income of farmers through crop diversification, fisheries, cattle rearing, animal husbandry, poultry farming and other ancillary activities.
The chief minister also emphasised on large-scale industrialisation to bring prosperity to the state.
Industries would be the main pillars of our prosperity, he said, adding that the state was focusing on infrastructure and skills. “Our double-engine government has taken extensive steps for infrastructure development in the state,” CM Majhi said, adding that Odisha is the first choice of investors.
