Bhubaneswar: On Wednesday evening, when the Lok Sabha passed the historic Women’s Reservation Bill, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha named Odisha’s first woman speaker for the Assembly- Pramila Mallick, the current revenue minister. The election for the Speaker’s role is scheduled to take place on September 22.
For a long time, the BJD has been advocating for 33% reservation for women in Assemblies and in the Lok Sabha. By electing a woman for the Assembly’s top post, the BJD is trying to position itself as a champion of woman empowerment.
Pramila Mallik, a distinguished BJD leader and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Binjharpur Assembly constituency, boasts an impressive record as a six-time MLA. Additionally, she has held various crucial ministerial roles within the Naveen Patnaik cabinet.
In response to her nomination, Pramila Mallik expressed her gratitude towards Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for his trust in her and for selecting her for this prominent role. She pledged to ensure the impartial functioning of the Assembly during her tenure.
Recognizing the significance of her new role, Mallik emphasized her commitment to inclusivity and unity, stating, “It is a prestigious position, and I will strive to fulfill my responsibilities by bringing everyone together. The Chief Minister’s vision prioritizes the empowerment of women, advocating for 33 percent reservation for women. After five years, the Women’s Reservation Bill was tabled at the national level.” Mallik went on to assert, “By nominating me as the Speaker candidate, the Chief Minister has demonstrated that women are fully capable of excelling in all endeavors.”