BHUBANESHWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday launched helpline number 181 to assist women in distress on the occasion of International Women's Day here. The helpline will be functional 24*7 and backed by a team of professionals who are trained to route the calls to the emergency services concerned. A woman in distress can dial the toll-free number from any part of the Odisha to get immediate assistance.
Addressing a function on International Women’s Day, Naveen Patnaik said while women of Odisha have contributed significantly and carved a niche for themselves in an array of sectors, there is a lot to be done for their holistic empowerment. The essential scale to judge the progress of a society is the development of its women.
Following the directions of legendary former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik on greater representation of women in the Panchayati Raj system and government jobs, the State Government has instituted 50 per cent reservation for them in the former, Naveen Patnaik said.
Odisha’s Mission Shakti programme has acted as a revolution by empowering over 50 lakh women in the social, economic and social sectors. Similarly more than 25 lakh pregnant women received Rs 1100 crore under the Mamata programme- a cash transfer maternity benefit scheme- which has significantly reduced infant mortality rates in Odisha.
The programmes initiated by the State Government and stakeholders working for their upliftment has boosted the self-confidence of women in Odisha.
The Odisha chief minister also exhorted NGOs and other agencies working in the sector to create awareness to carry developmental activities and laws drafted to safeguard the interest of women in Odisha.
Naveen Patnaik also honoured women achievers in the field of academics and sports on the occasion. Among the awardees were - Manjulata Panda, a visually impaired woman who bagged her doctoral degree from Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar, Jhilli Dalabehera for weightlifting and Jabamani Tudu for football.
He felicitated four Anganwadi workers - Champamani Munda of Podasia in Mayurbhanj, Kanaklata Das of Eradanga in Jagatsinghpur, Swapnarani Devi of Parisala in R Udaygiri and Mina Kumari of Jamirposh in Sundergarh district- with a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a certificate. He hailed Anganwadi workers for their dedication and commitment at the grassroot level.
Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD) Usha Devi, Chairperson, Odisha State Commission for Women Lopamudra Baxipatra and Secretary WCD Department Vishal Dev spoke on the occasion, among others.