Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday described the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, 2023, as a landmark reform and the most significant step towards women’s empowerment in post-independence India. He said the initiative reflects the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards strengthening the role of women in governance and nation-building.
Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan meeting at Town Hall in Bhubaneswar, the chief minister said the Act is not merely a legal provision but a transformative move that carries the aspirations of millions of women across the country.
Highlighting the key provision of the legislation, Majhi noted that the Act ensures one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. He said that empowering women in leadership roles leads to broader social and economic progress. “When women lead, they uplift not just themselves but the entire society and nation,” he stated.
He further pointed out that women in India are no longer limited to being voters but have emerged as active participants in democracy. In Odisha, nearly 14.5 lakh women are already serving as elected representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions, demonstrating their leadership and administrative capabilities at the grassroots level.
Calling the Act a historic initiative, the chief minister said it will significantly enhance women’s participation in policy-making and governance. He added that the move will ensure broader representation of women in decision-making bodies in the coming years.
Emphasising the state’s development vision, Majhi said that a prosperous Odisha is essential for achieving the goal of a developed India. He highlighted key state initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment, including the Subhadra Yojana and the Lakhpati Didi programme, which focus on making women economically self-reliant and independent. He said these initiatives are designed to bring financial stability and growth to households across the state.
Speaking at the same venue, Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy stressed the need for equal representation of women in Parliament and state legislatures. She said empowering women in policy-making is essential for inclusive governance and called for collective support for the Act.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development Pravati Parida highlighted that ensuring dignity, equality, and leadership opportunities for women requires their active presence in legislative bodies. She said the Act will create a clear pathway for women to rise from Panchayati Raj institutions to Parliament.
She also referred to various welfare initiatives aimed at supporting women at different stages of life, stating that these programmes collectively contribute to building a strong foundation for women’s empowerment. She noted that as women step forward to lead a transforming India, Odisha is emerging as a strong model for inclusive and participatory development.
The event saw active participation from women representatives, community leaders, and stakeholders, reflecting growing awareness and support for women-led governance. The discussions centred on expanding opportunities, strengthening representation, and ensuring that women play a decisive role in shaping the future of the country.
