Odisha Committed to Social Equality, Calls for Strong Action Against Witch-Hunting and Child Marriage

Bhubaneswar: Reiterating that social equality lies at the heart of the vision of Viksit Odisha, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Friday reaffirmed the State Government’s resolve to build a healthy, progressive and superstition-free society for future generations.

She was addressing a state-level workshop on the Prevention of Witch-Hunting and Prohibition of Child Marriage, organised by the Women and Child Development Department at the State Convention Hall here. The Deputy Chief Minister attended the programme as the Chief Guest.

Highlighting the pivotal role of women in Odisha’s rural economy, Parida emphasised that education and sustained awareness are the most effective tools to eradicate regressive practices such as witch-hunting and child marriage. She called upon officials to proactively visit villages and households to sensitise communities against superstition and social evils. Urging officers to go beyond routine administration, she appealed for action driven by humanity, empathy and social responsibility.

The workshop witnessed the participation of Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development Department; Director Monisha Banerjee; Additional Secretaries and senior departmental officials. Participants included Block Development Officers from all 314 blocks, District Education Officers from 30 districts, Project Officers (PO-cum-PO), Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and District Coordinators under the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW).

Addressing the gathering, Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma underscored the need to combine strict legal enforcement with mass awareness to effectively combat social evils. She highlighted various departmental initiatives and stressed that collective and coordinated action is essential to eliminate such inhuman practices from society.

During the technical sessions, eminent lawyer and social activist Manasi Padhi elaborated on the Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013, while social activist Benudhar Senapati, in the second session, explained the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. Both speakers provided detailed insights into the legal framework, ground-level challenges and strategies for effective implementation.