The Utkal Mahila Samti, Bhubaneswar, affiliated to the National Federation of the Indian Women, organised a seminar on "Protection of women and law" here recently.
Senior bureaucrat and poet Bishnupada Sethi, Secretary of Indian Red Crosss Society, Odisha Branch Mangala Prasad Mohanty, legal expert Madhumita Parida, Smita Kanungo and senior journalist Prasanta Patnaik spoke on the occasion. Sethi, who is the Director of Census, Odisha, said the latest population survey has revealed that the women population has considerably declined in the districts of Nayagarh and Khurda, which have high percentage of literacy, while the tribal districts have recorded higher women population.
Dr Mohanty spoke about the role of women in the present society for building healthy family and protecting the rights of women. Dr Madhumita Parida and Dr Smita Kanungo highlighted the rights of women and legal provisions to protect them. Prasanta Patnaik lamented that the women victims of atrocities like Bebina Behera of Pipili do not getting adequate protection from the Government and the society.
The seminar was followed by a entertainment programme, including a performance by famous Mahari dancer Chndrika Rana. Film and TV artist Madhumita Mohanty and social activist Asmita Patnaik from Raj Khariar were felicitated for their commendable activities. Utkal Mahila Samiti president advocate Arati Patnaik presided over the function while secretary Chandraprva Patnaik conducted the seminar. The Samiti extended financial help for treatment of K laxmi and Swati Sahu.