Debate Rages Over ‘First’ Woman Speaker Of Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar: Binjharpur MLA Pramila Mallik has assumed the role of Speaker in the Odisha Legislative Assembly. However, her appointment has sparked a debate on social media over who the first woman Speaker of the House truly was.

Many social media users have pointed to Sarala Devi, who presided over the Assembly of the Orissa province in 1939. Sarala Devi was also the first woman elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 1936.

Congress speaker Rajani Mohanty has weighed in on the matter, stating that Sarala Devi was the first woman Speaker of the Odisha Assembly, considering the historical context. He also raised questions about the government’s claims regarding women’s development, suggesting that such initiatives might be politically motivated.

Mohanty expressed concerns that aside from the members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the government seemed to lack comprehensive plans for the development of other women in the state. He also posed queries about the government’s transparency regarding the income and savings of approximately 70 lakh SHG members.

These concerns have prompted discussions among various users on social media platforms.