Bhubaneswar, 30 April (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday said that true women empowerment is not limited to economic self-reliance, but also includes equal participation and decision-making power in social, economic, and political spheres. He made these remarks during a special session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly to discuss the role of women in Indian democracy.
The Chief Minister noted that for decades, various political parties have spoken about women’s empowerment but have largely confined its definition to financial independence. “Providing limited financial assistance through self-help groups alone does not constitute complete empowerment. Real empowerment lies in enabling women to take independent decisions for themselves, their families, and society,” he said.
Highlighting the broader context, Majhi stated that although India has completed 75 years of independence and made significant progress, half of its population still feels neglected. He criticized political parties for claiming credit for 50 percent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions, while allegedly opposing similar reservations in legislative bodies like the Assembly and Parliament due to political interests.
He further alleged that demands for reservation for backward classes or Muslim women have often been used as pretexts by some parties to delay or dilute justice for women. He asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party has consistently supported the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Referring to the Indian National Congress, the Chief Minister pointed out that in 1984, the party had an overwhelming majority in the Lok Sabha and in the Rajya Sabha. “Despite such a strong mandate, why was this important bill not passed?” he questioned, adding that those criticizing the current government should reflect on their own record.
Majhi also took aim at the Biju Janata Dal, stating that its leaders take credit for women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj but adopt a contradictory stance when it comes to reservation in higher legislative bodies. He argued that many senior leaders do not contest local body elections, which is why such reservations do not affect their personal political interests.
Addressing concerns raised by the opposition regarding seat distribution, Majhi said that the Union Home Minister has clarified in Parliament that the number of Lok Sabha seats may increase to 850. Accordingly, Odisha Assembly seats could also rise by around 50 percent, making opposition concerns unfounded.
Emphasizing women’s achievements, he said that women today are excelling across sectors including education, transport, and defense. He highlighted the contributions of women in nation-building, particularly in the education sector.
Citing examples, he referred to President Droupadi Murmu as a symbol of rising women empowerment, and praised Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting nine consecutive Union Budgets, calling it a historic achievement.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the impact of central schemes such as MUDRA, Stand-Up India, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, noting significant participation of women beneficiaries. He mentioned Odisha government initiatives like Subhadra Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana aimed at strengthening women economically and socially.
He further informed that the state’s Mamata Yojana has been integrated with the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana to improve maternal health outcomes.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies will be implemented from the 2029 general elections, giving a new direction to women empowerment in the country
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
