Odisha women commission chairperson post vacant, several cases pending 

The absence of a functional Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) in Odisha has led to a backlog of several unresolved cases, raising concerns about justice and support for women in distress. The post of the OSCW chairperson has been vacant for the past several months.

According to government data presented in the Odisha assembly, a total of 2,869 cases have been pending for the 2024-25 period. The alarming figures were revealed in response to a query by BJD MLA Sana Mahakud, to which Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida provided the official response on Saturday.

During the discussion in the Odisha Assembly, it was disclosed that while 1,910 new cases were registered in 2024-25, only 1,803 cases have been disposed of. This backlog highlights the urgent need for an active Women's Commission to address gender-related issues and ensure timely justice for victims.

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District Wise Pendency Of Cases

District-wise data further reveals that Khordha district has the highest number of pending cases, with 450 yet to be resolved. Kendrapara follows with 216 cases, while Puri district has 210 cases still awaiting action. These figures underscore the growing need for an efficient grievance redressal mechanism dedicated to women's issues.

Responding to the concern in the Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Prabhati Parida acknowledged the backlog and assured that the government is taking steps to expedite case resolutions. She emphasized that initiatives are being taken to strengthen women's welfare mechanisms and that discussions are underway to establish a fully functional Women's Commission in the state.

The absence of a Women's Commission in Odisha has long been a topic of debate among legal experts and activists, who argue that it leaves many victims without a dedicated platform for justice. The rising number of pending cases further highlights the critical need for institutional support to ensure women's safety, legal assistance, and empowerment.