Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hailed mothers as natural-born leaders and addressed the State on Monday.

 “The mothers, who take the entire responsibility of their families, have no problem in taking the responsibility of the society as well as the country. It is our responsibility to provide them the opportunity to showcase their leadership qualities and utilize them in the inclusive development of the nation,” the Chief Minister said in an address on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Naveen also said the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government has ensured 50 per cent reservation of seats for women in panchayats and urban local bodies for the fulfillment of their long-cherished dream. He invoked legendary leader and former Chief Minister Biju Babu for taking a historic step for empowering women in the ‘90s.

Referring to various women's welfare schemes by the state government, Naveen highlighted Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana. He said the state government has also conferred on them land and property rights and provided ration cards, scholarships to girl students and working women’s hostels.

The CM said his party has also reserved 33 percent of seats for women candidates in the last election in 2019. Besides, the BJD has been demanding a similar reservation of seats for them in the Assembly and Parliament, he added. The CM assured women that the BJD will continue its relentless fight for the welfare and rights of women.

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