Odisha Launches Nari Adalat Pilot, New Schemes for Women and Children

Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards strengthening women’s empowerment and child welfare, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Thursday formally launched a series of schemes, campaigns, MoUs and infrastructure projects under the Department of Women and Child Development. The initiatives were unveiled at a programme held in the department’s conference hall in the presence of Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the ‘Nari Adalat’ pilot project across 10 Panchayats in 10 districts of the State. Describing the initiative as a cornerstone of a “Bikashita Odisha”, the Deputy Chief Minister said the success of the welfare model would depend on its effective implementation at the grassroots level to ensure a discrimination-free and just society. She underlined that empowering women at the community level is essential for sustainable and inclusive development.

Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said the Nari Adalat would use the provisions of the Mediation Act to resolve civil, family and dowry-related disputes amicably, thereby reducing the burden of pending litigation. He explained that under a specialised jury system, women would be entrusted with authority to ensure transparency and accessible justice. Supported by Taluka Legal Service Cell Authorities, the initiative aims to deliver swift and effective legal remedies for women at the village level.

The Nari Adalat platform is designed to raise awareness about women’s rights and provide speedy, dialogue-based dispute resolution at the Panchayat level. Issues such as domestic violence, dowry, child protection and property rights will be addressed through mediation, ensuring timely and approachable justice for women in rural areas.

The Deputy Chief Minister also launched the week-long State-wide celebrations of National Girl Child Day–2026 under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, to be observed from January 17 to January 24. A series of awareness rallies, competitions in colleges, felicitation of meritorious students and coordination meetings with allied departments will be organised across all 30 districts. The campaign aims to curb gender-biased sex selection, promote gender equality and foster positive societal attitudes towards the girl child.

During the programme, operational guidelines of the centrally sponsored ‘PALNA’ (Anganwadi-cum-Crèche) scheme were unveiled. Implemented in a 60:40 cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and the State, the scheme seeks to provide a safe, nurturing and child-friendly environment for children aged six months to three years, focusing on nutrition, health, safety and cognitive development. The initiative is also expected to enhance workforce participation among working mothers.

In the first phase, 168 Anganwadi Centres across 25 districts have been identified and operationalised as PALNA Centres. These centres will offer services such as supplementary nutrition, child protection, safe sleeping arrangements, early childhood stimulation activities, growth monitoring, health check-ups and immunisation support.

Further strengthening child care infrastructure, the Deputy Chief Minister virtually inaugurated a new 100-bedded building of Utkal Balashram at Jajpur, constructed at a cost of ₹2.49 crore from the State Budget. Modern kitchen facilities were also inaugurated at Utkal Balashrams in Puri and Jajpur to ensure hygienic, nutritious and safe food for resident children. The State Government plans to extend such modern kitchen facilities to other districts in a phased manner.

She also virtually laid the foundation stone for two Integrated Vatsalya Sadans in Khordha and Gajapati districts. These facilities will bring together Child Care Institutions, Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards under one roof, enabling child-friendly, hassle-free and timely services for children in need of care and protection.

The programme was attended by Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, Shubha Sharma; Principal Secretary, Law Department, Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal; and Director of the Department, Monisha Banerjee, along with other dignitaries. Collectors of all districts, District Social Welfare Officers, members of Nari Adalat and Anganwadi workers joined the event through virtual mode.