Odisha Deputy CM, Union Minister Discuss Women Empowerment
Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida meets Union Minister Annapurna Devi in Delhi to discuss nutrition, child protection, and women's empowerment initiatives.
In a significant move to bolster welfare schemes, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Pravati Parida met with Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi in New Delhi. The high-level meeting took place during a crucial two-day Departmental Summit aimed at strengthening the coordination between the Centre and various states regarding women and child welfare.
Focus on Nutrition and Child Protection
The discussions centered on several critical pillars of social development. Key areas of focus included:
- Nutrition and Early Education: Enhancing the impact of Anganwadi Centres to improve nutritional outcomes and early childhood education.
- Child Protection: Strengthening existing systems to ensure a safer environment for children.
- Women's Safety: Developing robust frameworks to ensure the security and well-being of women across the state.
- Empowerment Initiatives: Scaling up programs designed to foster economic and social empowerment for women.
The Deputy CM's participation highlights Odisha's proactive approach to sharing its unique innovations in social welfare while adopting best practices from other States and Union Territories. The ultimate goal remains translating policy interventions into tangible, measurable improvements in the daily lives of women and children.
Summit Aimed at Cooperative Federalism
The Departmental Summit, held on October 8–9, 2026, serves as a platform for political leadership and senior officials from across India to foster collective ownership of national priorities. This summit is the second in a series envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote cooperative federalism and accelerate development outcomes through closer collaboration between the Centre and the States.
The event is set to conclude with a valedictory session on October 9, 2026, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, where Prime Minister Modi is expected to address the gathering and reinforce the national commitment to these vital social sectors.