By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: A week-long programme organised by the Women and Child Development department on the occasion of the International Women Day was on Friday inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here. Among others, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, and Development Commissioner Anu Garg were among those present on the occasion.
CM Patnaik said that women’s empowerment is not just a slogan but a reality today. The mothers of Odisha are the bearers of transformation. A huge organisation of 70 lakhs of women is transforming from SHG to SME today. Now, mothers have embarked on a journey to become entrepreneurs, he said.
“Mothers have created a special place for themselves in society with their talents and skills. They have proved that daughters are no longer a burden for the family today, but they are gems,” Shri Patnaik pointed out.
On this occasion the Chief Minister launched the youth mascot KUNI of the Women and Child Development department. The Mascot will work to create awareness among the young about their education, rights and in other sectors.
The new child policy “Prarambha” was also unveiled on the occasion. A case study booklet based on the success story of women, MIS portal of the Ashirwad Yojana and one stop centre were also unveiled. The Chief Minister also awarded the best Anganwadi and Mission Shakti workers for their contribution to society on the occasion.
