BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has decided to amend Odisha Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parisad Acts to remove any discriminatory practices which prohibit or restrict women to participate effectively in meetings.
Though the Government was contemplating to bring amendment to the Acts in the budget session which concluded on Monday, it was deferred for wider discussion with all stakeholders.
A decision has also been taken to organise Mahila Sabhas at gram panchayat level to promote participation of women in palli and gram sabhas.
Besides, issues relating to girls and women including violence will also be made a specific agenda in the palli sabha and gram sabha meetings.
Moreover, a designated unit in the Home department will be established to guide, monitor and support investigations pertaining to violence against girls and women.
Appropriate mechanisms for universal registration of marriage will be created and Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) will be involved as para legal workers to promote community level fora to track, monitor and report instances of violence and trafficking of girls and women.
The decisions were taken following increasing instances of violence against women in the State.
Besides, a decision has also been taken to introduce single window system for providing support to women farmers on crops, financial services, technology and market linkage.
Official sources said emphasis will be given to the welfare of women farmers through self help groups (SHGs) and create market for their produce. The Women and Child Development department will be the nodal department for implementation of the new schemes.
In a bid to encourage and promote women farmers, high priority will be accorded to technical skill building in agriculture related activities.