Who is Shovana Mohanty? Odisha SCW Gets New Chief Alongside Babita Patra's Appointment
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Synopsis
The recent appointments of Shovana Mohanty as head of the Odisha State Commission for Women and Babita Patra as the chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights mark pivotal changes in Odisha's commitment to women's and children's rights. Both leaders are set to implement critical reforms in their respective domains.
Key Takeaways
- Shovana Mohanty appointed as chairperson of SCW.
- Focus on justice for marginalized women.
- New members appointed to the SCW.
- Babita Patra leads the OSCPCR.
- Both chairpersons serve a term of three years.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 5 (NationPress) The Odisha government has appointed BJP leader Shovana Mohanty as the new chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women (SCW), Bhubaneswar, on Tuesday. The chairperson position was vacant after the removal of former chairperson Minati Behera along with four other commission members in November 2024.
According to the notification from the state Women and Child Development Department, 'In pursuance of Section-3(1) and Section-3(2)(b) of the Odisha State Commission for Women Act, 1993, the State Government have been pleased to appoint Smt. Shovana Mohanty, At-Karanjia, Remuna, Dist-Balasore, as Chairperson, Odisha State Commission for Women, Bhubaneswar.'
Mohanty is set to hold the SCW chairperson position for a term of three years. Upon her appointment, she expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and State BJP President Manmohan Samal for their trust in her abilities.
She stated, 'I will dedicate my efforts to ensure that the marginalized and oppressed women of the state receive justice.'
Additionally, the state government has nominated four new members to the SCW in accordance with Section 3 (1) and Section 3 (2)(c) of the Odisha State Commission for Women Act, 1993 (Odisha Act 19 of 1994). The new members are Prativa Satpathy, Urmila Mohapatra, Kalpana Mallick, and Mukta Sahu.
In a related development, Babita Patra has been appointed as the chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR). Patra's term will last for three years from her assumption of office or until she reaches the age of 65 years, whichever comes first.
The state government has also appointed Sukeshi Oram, Kalpana Lenka, Chandana Das, Kasturi Mishra, Manasmita Khuntia, and Sujata Nayak as members of the OSCPCR for a three-year period.
Point of View
These appointments signal a renewed focus on advocacy within Odisha. The leadership of Shovana Mohanty and Babita Patra promises to bring a fresh perspective to addressing the needs of the underserved populations in the state, reinforcing the importance of justice and protection for all.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shovana Mohanty?
Shovana Mohanty is the newly appointed chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women.
What is the role of the Odisha State Commission for Women?
The Odisha State Commission for Women focuses on advocating for women's rights and ensuring justice for marginalized women.
Who are the new members of the SCW?
The new members of the SCW include Prativa Satpathy, Urmila Mohapatra, Kalpana Mallick, and Mukta Sahu.
What is the OSCPCR?
The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) is responsible for protecting child rights in the state.
How long will the new chairpersons serve?
Shovana Mohanty and Babita Patra will serve for three years.
