‘Rural women major contributors of Odisha’s economic growth’

Bhubaneswar: Acknowledging the contribution of rural women towards the growth of Odisha’s economy, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the State is much ahead of others states in terms of women empowerment.

While launching the FICCI-FLO Odisha Women’s Awards, Patnaik said, “Mission Shakti, one of the key initiatives of the Odisha government’s empowerment model, has successfully brought over eight million women from the four walls of family to socio-economic vibrancy. The rural women in the State are, now, increasingly becoming a major contributor to its growing economy.”

Remembering Biju Babu, the legendary leader of Odisha, whose birthday was celebrated yesterday, Patnaik said the former Chief Minister, all through his life, championed the cause of women empowerment in India.

“In Odisha, he reposed faith on women to run Panchayati Raj Institutions. He envisioned women leaders in every sphere of society,” Patnaik said.

He further said, “I am glad that with initiatives like Make-in-Odisha, Start-Up Odisha and Skilled-in-Odisha, more and more women in Odisha are coming to entrepreneurship.”

Also, women of the State have been achieving great feats in national and international sports.

“Furthermore, we became the first state in the country to walk the talk and resolved in State Assembly to allocate 33 percent of seats in the Parliament and State Legislative Assembly last year,” Patnaik added.

Since 2011, Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies in the State are represented by over 50 percent women.

“I thank the FICCI-FLO for its endeavour to encourage and facilitate women to showcase their talents, skills and energy at the grassroots, middle and senior levels, for an inclusive economic growth trajectory. I also congratulate Dharitri Patnaik, Chairperson of FLO Bhubaneswar and her team for the efforts in women empowerment,” the Chief Minister said.

He also released the Policy Brief on Women Entrepreneurship in Odisha.

National President FICCI FLO Janhavi Phookan and State President Dharitri patnaik also spoke on the occasion.