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
cd/vgu/bg
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)