Odisha's Deputy CM Champions Women's Rights Against Workplace Harassment
Empowering Women to Speak Out
Bhubaneswar: On Wednesday, Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida encouraged working women to boldly voice their concerns regarding sexual harassment in the workplace and advocate for their rights.
During an orientation session focused on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act of 2013 at the Lok Seva Bhawan, Parida stated, "Sexual harassment should not be viewed as a stigma. Remaining silent only empowers the perpetrator. It is your right to say 'no'; exercise it. The government is firmly behind victims."
As the sole female minister in the BJP-led government under Mohan Charan Majhi, Parida also oversees the Women and Child Development department.
She addressed an audience of over 600 government employees, both male and female, at the event aimed at increasing awareness about the POSH Act.
Highlighting the need for institutional accountability, she mentioned, "We have issued strict orders to establish Internal Committees in all institutions and colleges to ensure the Act is properly enforced. Both offenders and those making false claims will face consequences."
Parida has faced criticism from opposition parties, including the BJD and Congress, following a horrific incident involving a 15-year-old girl in Balanga, located in her Nimapara constituency, who was set on fire by unknown attackers.
She criticized the previous BJD administration for neglecting the POSH Act since its inception in 2013.
The orientation featured a presentation by prominent lawyer Manasi Padhi, who elaborated on the provisions, rights, responsibilities, and grievance mechanisms outlined in the Act.
In response, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty expressed concerns on social media, stating, "The Deputy Chief Minister must ensure that victims are not met with silence from the government or her party. Justice should not be limited to video messages; it must be actionable."
He referenced a case involving a student from FM College in Balasore who allegedly faced harassment but did not receive justice due to delays and inaction from the college's Internal Complaints Committee, police, and political figures.
"The public, along with opposition parties, is now advocating for justice for our sister. Meanwhile, a minor girl from a minority community in the area represented by Madam Pravati Parida was set ablaze and is currently fighting for her life," Mohanty added, highlighting the alarming frequency of sexual harassment incidents across Odisha under the BJP government.
Following the program, Parida shared on social media that she visited the victim from Balanga, who is receiving treatment at AIIMS in Delhi. "I spoke with her family and the medical team about her condition. I pray for her swift recovery," she wrote.