Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced creation of Mission Shakti Department, exclusively for the development of the women, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, on Sunday.
“I would like to announce that Odisha will be the first state to have an exclusive department for the self-help groups. This will be called the Department of Mission Shakti and will be dedicated to all the women of Odisha,” the Chief Minister said.
Stating that Odisha leads the country in empowerment of women, he said that the efforts, self-belief and success of the women of the state have been recognised worldwide.
“The Mission Shakti programme for 70 lakh women, the MAMATA scheme and 50 per cent reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) launched by the state government has ushered in a new era for the socio-economic development of women. The success of the women in all aspects from sports to entrepreneurship is encouraging,” the Chief Minister, said while naming eminent women like sprint star Dutee Chand, litterateur Pratibha Ray and Bollywood actress Nandita Das, who have made the state proud.
Naveen also mentioned about the special nutrition budget, which will primarily focus on the nutrition of women and children. “My government is committed to ensure the rights and the welfare of the women and will continue do so in the coming days,” he added.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) of Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal and Gajapati districts, the best self-help group (SHG), best Anganwadi worker, the State Bank of India (SBI), Odisha State Cooperative Bank and Odisha Gramya Bank.
The theme of the International Women’s Day this year is “I am generation equality; Realising women’s right”.
