With increasing incidence of sexual torture and harassment against women, the Government has conceded that women are the most oppressed section in Odisha.
Women and Child Development Minister Usha Devi on Wednesday admitted in the Assembly that nearly 42 per cent of women in the 15- 49 years age group are subjected to either physical or sexual violence in the State.
The Minister, however, claimed the State Government has taken steps to effectively deal with the problem. Replying to a question by BJP Member Dilip Ray, she said at least 30 officers have been appointed in each district to address the issue of domestic violence.
“The Bell Bajao campaign and other awareness programmes are also taken up periodically in the State,” she said, adding that a total of 537 Mahila Sishu Desks have been set up to facilitate integrated approach towards crime against women and children.
Besides, the State Government has declared all Swadhar homes, Ujjwala homes, short stay homes and family counselling centres as service providers under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
local committees and internal complaint committees have also been formed as per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal ) Act, 2013, the Minister informed the House.