Odisha's Women Safety Debate Intensifies Amid Tragedy

Odisha BJP Mahila Morcha President, Aiswarya Biswal, expressed profound sorrow following the alleged self-immolation death of a woman in Kathiapada village, Kendrapara district. She highlighted efforts by the state government to bolster women's safety, including implementing Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in colleges and the Shree Shakti App for harassment reporting.

Biswal emphasized the commitment to safeguarding women, noting the app, spearheaded by Mohan Charan Majhi, enables direct communication with authorities for female students facing harassment. The app allows audio and video submissions, facilitating swifter administrative responses. Colleges are mandated to review and track harassment issues every three months.

Criticizing Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Biswal condemned the politicization of self-immolation cases in Balasore and other incidents. She asserted that political narratives around such tragedies are misleading, reiterating the BJP's resolve to enhance women's safety. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rajani Kumar Mohanty criticized the government's inefficacy, citing increasing crimes against women as a pressing concern needing urgent administrative action.

(With inputs from agencies.)