Bhuybaneswar: The state government on Tuesday appointed Shovana Mohanty as the new Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women (SCW).
Mohanty, who hails from Karanjia under Remuna area of Balasore district, will serve a term of up to three years, effective from August 5, 2025.
Known for her extensive work in women’s rights and grassroots activism, Mohanty’s leadership is likely to bring renewed vigour to policy implementation and advocacy.
The appointment comes at a crucial time when the state is witnessing increased discourse around gender justice and safety.
The appointment, made in accordance with Section-3(1) and Section-3(2)(b) of the Odisha State Commission for Women Act, 1993, was detailed in a notification from the Department of Women & Child Development dated August 5, 2025.
As Chairperson, she is authorized to exercise the powers and perform the functions assigned under the Act.
Chairperson for the Odisha State Commission for Women was indeed vacant for approximately 8 months. The previous chairperson, Minati Behera, was removed on November 11, 2024, and the new chairperson, Shovana Mohanty, was appointed on August 5, 2025.
The state government through another notification also nominated the following four persons as members of OSCW :
The Member shall hold office for a period not exceeding three years from the date of
joining as the members of the Commission.
The OSCW is a quasi-judicial body established in 1993 under the Odisha State Commission for Women Act, 1993.
The Commission’s purpose is to address issues related to crime against women, investigate matters concerning women’s safeguards under the Constitution and other laws, and work to improve the status and conditions of women.
