Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Thursday launched a self-defence training programme for 5,000 women Self Help Group (SHG) members in its pilot phase at Mission Shakti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
The programme, implemented by the Mission Shakti Department in partnership with the National Commission for Women (NCW), will cover women across five districts—Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Keonjhar and Ganjam.
Addressing the event, Parida said the initiative aims to go beyond financial empowerment by ensuring women’s safety and confidence. “Empowering women is not limited to financial independence; it must also ensure their safety, dignity and confidence. This self-defence training programme will equip our SHG women with the strength and skills to move fearlessly, take independent decisions and actively participate in economic activities,” she said.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar highlighted the importance of institutional support in strengthening women’s safety and capacity building. She said such initiatives help women become more self-reliant and confident while contributing to society and the economy.
According to the official release, the training programme is designed to equip SHG women with self-defence skills and awareness on personal safety. It also aims to improve their mobility, enable safer participation in market linkages and strengthen women-led development in the state.
The event was attended by Odisha State Commission for Women Chairperson Shobhna Mohanty, Mission Shakti Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Mansi Nimbhal, Additional Secretary Shailendra Kumar Jena and other officials.
