OPCC Launches Women’s Safety Initiatives, Announces ‘Shraddhanjali Divas’ on July 24

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s safety and ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence across the state.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das announced the formation of a dedicated women’s grievance cell at the Congress Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. Alongside this, the party plans to launch a mobile application designed to help women in distress lodge complaints directly. Das assured that Congress would actively follow up on all reports submitted through the app and work toward swift resolution of grievances.

In a symbolic gesture, the party will observe ‘Shraddhanjali Divas’ on July 24 across Odisha, marking the ‘shraddha’ ceremony of Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. Soumyashree had attempted self-immolation on July 12 following alleged harassment and later succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14.

As part of the observance, Mahila Congress members will hold silent prayer meetings at colleges and universities throughout the state. Das urged the public to observe two minutes of silence in memory of young women who have recently lost their lives to murders or suicides.

“We demand a judicial inquiry under the supervision of the Supreme Court into these tragic incidents and call for the immediate formation of a state women’s commission to address such cases more effectively,” said Das. “Only justice can bring peace to the souls of the victims.”

Additionally, the Congress party will organise special meetings on women’s safety in four major locations across Odisha. Following the July 24 programmes, a joint meeting involving eight Left parties supporting the Congress will be held to discuss further action on the issue.