Bhubaneswar, Jan 17: In a significant step towards grassroots justice and gender equality, Odisha launched Nari Adalats (women’s courts) across 10 aspirational districts on Saturday.

The initiative, launched by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, is designed to provide women with an accessible grievance redressal mechanism at the gram panchayat level, particularly in cases of harassment, violence, and denial of rights, officials said.

Speaking at the event, attended by Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Parida emphasized that women’s empowerment is central to building a “Developed Odisha.” She noted that the government’s welfare measures aim to strengthen the State’s social and economic fabric, with their success hinging on effective grassroots implementation.

The Nari Adalat forums will serve as alternative platforms for legal awareness, mediation, and dispute resolution in family and civil matters, thereby reducing litigation and fostering a women-centric, discrimination-free society.

On his part, Minister Harichandan praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to empower women with judicial capacity at the panchayat level.

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Alongside the launch, Parida inaugurated the week-long National Girl Child Day celebrations under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, to be observed across all 30 districts from January 17 to 24. The programme will feature awareness rallies, competitions, and felicitation of meritorious students to promote gender equality and discourage sex-selective practices.

The Deputy CM also released operational guidelines for the centrally sponsored ‘Palana’ scheme, which integrates Anganwadi-cum-Creche centres to provide safe childcare, nutrition, health services, and cognitive development for children aged six months to three years. Implemented with a 60:40 Centre-State funding ratio, the scheme is expected to enhance workforce participation among working mothers. In its first phase, 168 centres across 25 districts have been identified.

Further, Parida inaugurated a newly constructed 100-bed block at Utkal Balashram in Jajpur, built at a cost of Rs 2.49 crore, along with modern kitchens in Jajpur and Puri to ensure hygienic and nutritious food for children. Plans are underway to expand such facilities to other districts.

She also laid foundation stones virtually for two Integrated Vatsalya Sadan centres in Khordha and Gajapati districts. These centres will bring together childcare institutions, child welfare committees, and juvenile justice boards under one roof to provide child-friendly and timely services.

Senior officials including Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma, Law Department Principal Secretary Dr. Pavitra Mohan Samal, and Director Monisha Banerjee attended the event. Collectors, district social welfare officers, Nari Adalat members, and Anganwadi workers joined virtually.