Odisha CM Unveils WCD Dept’s Youth Mascot ‘Kuni’, New Child Policy ‘Prarambh’

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled Women and Child Development Department’s youth mascot ‘Kuni’ and Odisha’s new child policy ‘Prarambh’ during an International Women’s Day programme here on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that women in the state have created a special place for themselves in the society with their own talents and skills and they have now embarked on a journey to become entrepreneurs. “Today, the mothers of Odisha are the bearers of transformation. A huge organisation of 70 lakhs of women is transforming from SHG to SME.”

He said that they have proved that a daughter is not a burden for the family.

Highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Achieving gender equality through innovation and technology’, Naveen said: “Technology has given us a unique opportunity to bridge the gender divide in society. The rights of women are being protected, disparities in education, employment, workplace and society are being eliminated through application of innovation and technology.”

“Violence and discrimination against women can be prevented through gender equality, thereby establishing a fair society,” he observed.

The CM also launched a case study booklet on the success stories of women in Ashirbad Yojana’s IMS Portal and One Stop Centre and Women’s Helpline.Three best Anganwadi workers, best district social welfare officer and best district child protection officer were awarded on the occasion.

Notably, the new child policy would focus on their right to survival, protection, physical and mental health, and education to achieve their optimal development. It aims to strengthen the state’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals by ensuring their rights and significantly improving their overall wellbeing.