Odisha CM reviews State Policy for Girls and Women

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 19:

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today reviewed the progress and implementation of the ‘State Policy for Girls and Women-2014’ at a high level meeting at the secretariat and asked officials to take time bound and coordinated steps across departments for the successful implementation of this crucial policy.

The meeting decidec to constitute a task force headed by the Chief Secretary, which would present a half yearly report on the implemntation of the policy in March 2015. A review meeting of State Mission Authority headed by the Chief Minister will review the progress in the previous year.

Programs such as special training to teachers on gender bias, skill development of women, construction of working women’s hostels, creating awareness among elected representatives about gender bias, imparting martial arts training among women and rewarding meritorious women for their achievements were discussed in the meeting.

Special programs have been advocated in this policy across departments such as Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, E & TE & T, Agriculture, Labour, Revenue and Panchayatiraj.

The policy will also ensure budgetary allocations for special cells across the departments involved. In case of a shortage of funds, a special fund will be created under the Finance department to providethe  funds required.

The policy endorses establishment of one stop service centres in all the districts in a phased manner to extend care and support services for a range of needs of women, who are victims of violence. The services include special windows at hospitals, appointment of counsellors, right of inheritance, special training of revenue officials on inheritance and Panchayat level ‘Mahila Sabhas’ (women’s conferences).

It further emphasizes on single window clearance systems to provide comprehensive support to women farmers on crops, financial services, technology, inputs and market linkage.

Women and Child Development Department Minister Usha Devi, Chief Secretary GC Pati, development Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary of department of finance, Secretary of Women and Child Development Department were also present in the meeting.