In a significant move that has captured attention across the political landscape of Odisha, the Congress party has unveiled its new initiative, the ‘Nari Nyay’ (Women’s Justice) program. This launch directly challenges the Odisha Government’s ‘Shakti‘ scheme, aiming to enhance women’s rights and welfare. At the core of the Congress’s proposal is a comprehensive effort to empower women, giving them both legal support and access to avenues for justice that are swift and effective.

This initiative, which aims to address the gaps in the current system, puts a spotlight on the real needs and concerns that women face in everyday life. By offering immediate solutions for grievances such as domestic violence and harassment, Congress hopes to create a system where women can seek timely justice and support. As the ‘Shakti’ scheme also targets women’s empowerment, it creates an intriguing contrast between the two, and we’ll dive into both to explore how they differ and how the Congress’s Nari Nyay initiative can have a lasting impact on the women of Odisha.
Odisha Congress Unveils ‘Nari Nyay’ to Empower Women
Feature | Nari Nyay | Shakti Scheme |
---|---|---|
Objective | Legal support and grievance redressal | Financial assistance and entrepreneurship |
Focus Area | Immediate legal protection and support | Women’s financial independence |
Grievance Redressal | 24-hour grievance redressal cell | Empowerment through financial aid |
Technology Support | Mobile app for safety and support | Entrepreneurship promotion |
Awareness Campaigns | Nari Nyay Padyatras | Lakhpati Didi initiative |
Website & Contact | Official Congress Website | Official Odisha Government Website |
Target Audience | Women in distress, victims of violence | Women seeking financial independence |
The launch of Nari Nyay is a game-changer for the women of Odisha. By providing immediate legal protection and support, Congress aims to create a safer environment for women who face harassment, abuse, and violence. This initiative goes beyond financial empowerment, focusing on the real, day-to-day challenges women face and offering practical solutions. With digital resources, grievance redressal cells, and public awareness campaigns, Nari Nyay offers a powerful response to the challenges women encounter.
For more details on the Congress party’s initiatives, visit the official Congress website.
What is ‘Nari Nyay’?
‘Nari Nyay’ translates to “Women’s Justice,” and it’s all about offering women the resources and tools they need to secure justice and support in difficult times. The initiative was launched by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on July 24, 2025. It is designed to be a response to the Odisha Government’s ‘Shakti’ scheme, which focuses primarily on providing financial aid and promoting entrepreneurship among women.
However, the Congress feels that more needs to be done in terms of providing direct legal protection and immediate support for women facing harassment, domestic violence, or discrimination. That’s where Nari Nyay comes in. The core idea is that women in distress should not have to wait for long to seek justice or face bureaucratic hurdles that delay resolution of their issues. This initiative aims to close that gap.
Key Components of ‘Nari Nyay’
Here’s how the ‘Nari Nyay’ initiative stands out:
- 24-Hour Women’s Grievance Redressal Cell
One of the standout features of Nari Nyay is the creation of a 24-hour grievance redressal cell. Set up at the Congress Bhawan, this cell is designed to act as an accessible point of contact for women in need. Whether it’s domestic violence, harassment at the workplace, or any other form of gender-based violence, women can report their complaints at any time of day or night. This service is available through both email at womencellodishpcc@gmail.com and via a QR code linked to an online complaint portal. By offering this resource, Congress hopes to create a safe space where women can share their experiences and get the help they need immediately. - Mobile App for Women’s Safety
In the digital age, technology plays a crucial role in ensuring women’s safety. Congress is currently working on a mobile app that will allow women to report incidents of abuse, track the progress of their complaints, and access legal help when needed. This app is still in development, but once launched, it will provide an easy and discreet way for women to seek assistance. - Public Awareness Campaigns: Nari Nyay Padyatras
One of the largest hurdles in achieving real empowerment is raising awareness. Many women, especially in rural areas, may not even be aware of their legal rights or available support systems. To address this, Congress is planning to launch ‘Nari Nyay Padyatras’ (foot marches) across all districts of Odisha. These marches will serve to raise awareness about women’s rights and educate them on the various avenues of support available under the new scheme. The marches aim to bring communities together, providing a platform for women to openly discuss their issues and receive guidance on how to proceed with any complaints or grievances.
How Does ‘Nari Nyay’ Compare to the ‘Shakti’ Scheme?
Odisha Government’s ‘Shakti’ Scheme Overview
The Shakti scheme, launched by the Odisha Government, is aimed at empowering women primarily through financial assistance. Its goals include improving the economic status of women by encouraging entrepreneurship and providing financial support. The scheme has been a pivotal part of the state’s effort to uplift women and break the barriers to female financial independence. In 2024, the government reported a significant uptake in the program, especially in rural regions.
While the Shakti scheme has seen success in promoting women’s entrepreneurship, it focuses more on the financial aspect of empowerment rather than providing immediate legal recourse or protection from violence.
Key Differences: ‘Nari Nyay’ vs. ‘Shakti’
- Legal Support vs. Financial Aid
While the Shakti scheme provides women with the resources to become financially independent and entrepreneurial, Nari Nyay is focused on immediate legal support. If a woman is facing domestic violence, for example, Nari Nyay provides a clear, rapid response through its grievance redressal cell and legal protection services. - Entrepreneurship vs. Justice
The Shakti scheme heavily promotes entrepreneurship, giving women the tools to start and grow their own businesses. However, this does not directly address situations of harassment, violence, or discrimination. Nari Nyay, on the other hand, directly tackles the legal and justice-related aspects, ensuring that women facing abuse or oppression can access the support they need quickly. - Technological Integration
Both initiatives use technology to some extent, but Nari Nyay is taking it a step further by creating a dedicated app for women’s safety. This digital platform will not only allow women to report incidents but will also help them navigate the legal system more effectively, providing real-time updates on their cases. - Awareness vs. Financial Assistance
While Shakti focuses on financial independence, Nari Nyay emphasizes the need for awareness through campaigns like the Nari Nyay Padyatras. These marches are specifically designed to inform women of their legal rights, something that the Shakti scheme does not directly address.
How ‘Nari Nyay’ Aims to Make a Difference
The Nari Nyay initiative is more than just a government scheme; it’s a vision for social change that ensures women in Odisha are empowered legally and financially. By offering quick response systems, digital resources, and public awareness programs, this initiative intends to create a safer and more just society for women in the state.
Practical Impact of the ‘Nari Nyay’ Scheme
1. Protection Against Domestic Violence
Women who are experiencing domestic violence or harassment will have a 24-hour support system at their fingertips. With the grievance redressal cell and the upcoming mobile app, women can now seek immediate assistance without fear of delays or further abuse.
2. Accessible Legal Support
Many women face barriers to accessing the justice system, whether due to financial constraints, social stigma, or lack of awareness. The Nari Nyay initiative provides an easy-to-navigate legal pathway, ensuring that women’s complaints are handled with care and urgency.
3. Educational Outreach
Through Nari Nyay Padyatras, Congress is reaching women in every district of Odisha, providing them with information about their legal rights and how they can utilize the resources available under the scheme. By educating women, Congress is empowering them to stand up for themselves and seek justice when needed.
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FAQs
1. What is the Nari Nyay initiative?
The Nari Nyay initiative is a program launched by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) that provides legal support, grievance redressal services, and public awareness campaigns for women facing domestic violence, harassment, or discrimination.
2. How does Nari Nyay differ from the Shakti scheme?
While the Shakti scheme focuses on financial empowerment and entrepreneurship, Nari Nyay focuses on providing immediate legal support, addressing issues like domestic violence and harassment.
3. How can women report issues under Nari Nyay?
Women can report issues through the grievance redressal cell at the Congress Bhawan, by emailing womencellodishpcc@gmail.com, or through the mobile app once it launches.
4. Is Nari Nyay available for all women in Odisha?
Yes, Nari Nyay is available for all women in Odisha, particularly those who are facing legal issues or harassment.