Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Sunday described the upcoming three-day special session of Parliament from April 16 to 18 as the most significant “Amrit Bela” in India’s 25-year Amrit Kaal, marking a historic milestone for women’s empowerment.
The Budget session of Parliament has been extended by three days to facilitate the implementation of the 2023 law providing 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, which is set to take effect from 2029. The BJP has issued a stringent three-line whip to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliaments (MPs), mandating full attendance during these three days.
Addressing a press briefing, Parida said the special session on Matru Shakti Vandana Adhiniyam will lay the strong foundation for realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Developed India” by 2047. “This is not just about increasing the number of women representatives. It will make policy-making more inclusive, sensitive, and effective,” she said.
Parida highlighted that the seven pillars — Samman (Respect), Suraksha (Safety), Samanata (Equality), Sahabhagita (Participation), Sashaktikaran (Empowerment), Swabalamban (Self-reliance), and Sammanjanak Netrutwa (Respectable Leadership) — form the core foundation for women’s rights and progress. She emphasised that women will no longer be mere beneficiaries of policies but will become active policy makers. “The 33% reservation will empower the 50% of the population that is women to move from the margins of policy-making to its centre,” she added.
The Deputy CM credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with being the architect of women-centric development since 2014. She listed key initiatives such as construction of toilets in every household under Swachh Bharat Mission, bank accounts for women under Jan Dhan Yojana, LPG connections under Ujjwala Yojana, houses in women’s names under PMAY and Lakhpati Didi programme through Self-Help Groups
She noted that Subhadra Yojana, guided by Modi’s vision, has become a landmark scheme for women’s empowerment in Odisha. She added that the proposed special session from April 16 to 18 will witness the world watching India’s firm resolve under Modi’s leadership.
Calling upon the women of Odisha to celebrate these historic days as a festival, the Deputy CM urged massive public participation. She appealed to people to support the movement by giving a missed call on 9667173333 and to organise rallies, processions, and meetings to make the occasion memorable. She further requested women to express their pride and support on social media.
Senior BJP leaders including MP Anita Subhadarshini, State Mahila Morcha President Aishwarya Bishwal, and Kasturi Mishra, were present.
