Deputy CM Pravati Parida sets agenda for women and child development

Bhubaneswar, May 20: After assuming charge of the Women and Child Development as well as Mission Shakti departments, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida conducted a comprehensive review meeting late into the night at the conference room of the Women and Child Development Department in Lok Seva Bhavan.

During the meeting, Shubha Sarma, Principal Secretary of WCD, presented the department's achievements, plans, and challenges. Deputy Chief Minister Parida engaged in detailed discussions with departmental officials regarding the implementation of various programs, emphasizing the need to address issues at the grassroots level through inter-departmental collaboration. She highlighted the importance of infrastructure development for all Anganwadi centers across the state and instructed the department to ensure regular training and insurance coverage for Anganwadi workers.

Parida also emphasized regular inspections to maintain hygiene and quality standards of food, including Chhatua, served at Anganwadi centers. She personally tested the functionality of the state Women Helpline number.

Additionally, Parida directed an increase in the number of working women's hostels and advocated for the provision of crèche facilities in government and private institutions. She instructed the department to draft guidelines for the Subhadra scheme and ensure its implementation within 100 days. Addressing concerns about crimes against women, she urged the State Women's Commission to expedite pending cases through mutual understanding and camp courts. She also proposed a review of the implementation of the Vishaka guidelines.

The meeting was attended by Shubha Sarma, Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Monisha Banerjee, Director of WCD, and other departmental officers.