New Odisha Age

ORMAS Launches ‘Rangotsav-2026’ to Promote Safe Holi and Women’s Entrepreneurship

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) has launched ‘Rangotsav-2026’ in Bhubaneswar, a week-long fair aimed at encouraging safe, eco-friendly Holi celebrations while strengthening women-led rural enterprises. The event showcases herbal abir (colours) prepared by women Self Help Groups (SHGs), alongside a diverse range of rural products including handicrafts, handloom items, and traditional…

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Centre Suggests ‘Tithi Bhojan’ and Poshan Diwas to Strengthen Nutrition Drive in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi has urged the Odisha government to introduce ‘Tithi Bhojan’ and observe Poshan Diwas across anganwadi centres to reinforce ongoing efforts to combat childhood malnutrition. The recommendation was made during a review meeting of schemes under the Women and Child Development Department, chaired by Odisha Deputy…

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Odisha Reviews PMFME Scheme Progress, Focus on SHG to MSME Transition

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Wednesday emphasised the need for effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme during a state-level approval committee meeting convened to review its progress. Presiding over the meeting, Garg directed the MSME department to ensure convergence of PMFME with other government programmes…

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Crime Against Women in Odisha: Beyond Numbers, Towards Structural Reform

Bhubaneswar: The latest annual report of the Odisha State Commission for Women, revealing 2,064 cases of crimes and grievances against women in 2024–25, is both a statistical snapshot and a moral indictment. That Bhubaneswar alone accounts for 298 cases, followed by Cuttack and Khordha, should compel policymakers and society to confront an uncomfortable truth: urban…

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Publicity Chariot Launched Ahead of 20th Toshali Swadeshi Mela in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A publicity chariot was flagged off on Thursday to promote the 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 26 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The mela aims to showcase indigenous handlooms, handicrafts and local products under the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar.” The promotional campaign was inaugurated at…

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Eco-Friendly Jute Enterprise Empowers Rural Women in Odisha’s Puri District

Bhubaneswar: In Bisimatri village of Odisha’s Puri district, a group of nearly 50 rural women has transformed eco-friendly craftsmanship into a sustainable livelihood, building a successful jute-based enterprise that has brought financial independence and social empowerment to their community. The initiative began in 2015, when artisan mentor Amiya Poddar introduced local women—many of whom were…

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Odisha to Launch ‘Subhadra Bus’: Women-Only Electric Buses with Women Drivers in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards safer urban mobility and women’s empowerment, the Odisha government is set to introduce a women-only bus service named ‘Subhadra Bus’ in Bhubaneswar. The initiative aims to enhance safety, comfort, and representation of women in public transport. The Subhadra Bus service will be exclusively for women passengers and will be…

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Varanasi to Gift Banarasi Sarees to Families of Indian Cricketers Ahead of T20 World Cup

Bhubaneswar: In a symbolic gesture of cultural pride and national support, Varanasi will gift traditional Banarasi sarees to the families of Indian cricketers ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The initiative will be facilitated through the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), highlighting India’s rich handloom heritage while extending moral support…

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Union Budget 2026 Proposes Girls’ Hostels in Every District to Boost Women’s Education

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening women’s empowerment, the Union Budget 2026 has proposed the establishment of girls’ hostels in every district across the country, aimed at improving access to education and ensuring safe accommodation for female students. The initiative is intended to address one of the key barriers to girls’ education—lack of secure…

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Odisha Govt Announces Smartphones and Uniform Dress Code for Mission Shakti Women from April 1

Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at strengthening women’s empowerment and digital inclusion, the Odisha government has announced the provision of smartphones, official identity cards, and a new uniform dress code for women associated with the Mission Shakti programme. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said the new dress code will come into effect from April 1,…

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