Bhubaneswar March 8 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday launched a helpline for women on the occasion of International Women s Day to help women in distress.
The toll-free helpline service 181 will be available 24x7 in all districts of the state.
The helpline will extend prompt response to women affected by violence provide information about women-related government schemes and programmes and a range of other services.
Attending an event here Patnaik asked people to take a pledge to work collectively for ensuring women s rights and gender parity in every walk of life.
He said the state government is taking several steps for the socio-economic empowerment of women in the state.
The Chief Minister said while Rs 1 100 crore financial assistance has been provided to 25 lakh pregnant women under Mamata Scheme over 50 lakh women have brought a silent revolution by being a part of Mission Shakti.
On the occasion the Chief Minister also felicitated women achievers in the field of academics and sports.
--IANS
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Odisha CM launches helpline for women
