The Odisha government has taken a major step towards women’s safety and empowerment by deciding to appoint Shakti Apas in every district across the state. These Shakti Apas will serve as dedicated protection officers to handle cases of domestic violence and support survivors under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005. The decision is expected to improve access to legal help, counselling, and emergency support for women, especially in rural and tribal belts.

I’m writing about this because women’s safety is still a daily concern in many parts of India, and government-led, district-level action like this can truly make a difference. Often, the biggest challenge women face is not just violence, but the absence of systems that can respond quickly. By putting Shakti Apas in every district, Odisha is trying to close this gap. As someone who follows state welfare policies closely, I think it’s important for people to know about such practical, on-ground efforts. These officers won’t just file reports—they will help women navigate the whole system. And that’s a big shift.

What Is the Shakti Apa Initiative?

The Shakti Apa initiative is a special programme under the Mission Shakti department of Odisha. While the Mission Shakti programme is already well-known for forming women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), this step focuses specifically on legal and emotional protection for women facing domestic violence.

Key functions of Shakti Apas:

• Act as Protection Officers under the PWDVA, 2005
• Coordinate with police, legal aid, shelter homes, and health services
• Provide counselling, file complaints, and assist with court procedures
• Visit households or communities where women are at risk
• Maintain case records and submit regular reports

Until now, many districts either lacked full-time protection officers or had overburdened officials handling multiple duties. This move ensures that the role gets the attention it truly needs.

Why This Move Matters

Odisha has a mix of urban, rural, and tribal areas where access to women’s safety mechanisms varies a lot. In many districts, women are not even aware of their rights under the PWDVA or where to seek help. Even if they do file complaints, the support system is scattered—legal aid, shelter, counselling, and police often don’t coordinate smoothly.

The Shakti Apa appointment solves a few major issues:

• There will now be one single point person for all domestic violence-related support
• Victims can get help locally, without travelling to major towns
• District officials will be able to track and monitor gender-based violence cases more effectively

It also sends a clear message—that the state is serious about addressing domestic violence and supporting women survivors at every step.

Link to Mission Shakti: Building on an Existing Network

One big strength of this initiative is that it’s not starting from scratch. Odisha’s Mission Shakti platform already includes lakhs of women in SHGs who are active in economic and social issues in their villages. The new Shakti Apas can work with these groups for:

• Spreading awareness about domestic violence laws
• Identifying women in distress early
• Building trust in the system by using known community faces

This ground-level network can help make the Shakti Apa system more responsive and people-friendly, rather than a bureaucratic setup.

How Will It Work in Practice?

According to the plan, one Shakti Apa will be posted in each of Odisha’s 30 districts. They will be recruited from among experienced social workers or officers trained in women’s rights. Each Shakti Apa will work under the District Social Welfare Office, and also coordinate with:

• Local police stations and women’s help desks
• Legal Services Authorities and Family Courts
• Shelter homes and crisis intervention centres
• Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi workers

A support staff of data entry operators, case managers or outreach workers may also be provided depending on the district’s needs.

Data That Supports the Need

Here’s why this step couldn’t have come at a better time:

Many victims reported either delay in police action or lack of follow-up—problems that Shakti Apas are expected to fix.

Challenges and Things to Watch

Of course, appointing officers alone won’t solve everything. A few key things will need regular attention:

• Training: Shakti Apas must be well-trained in legal, counselling, and safety matters
• Coordination: Without good coordination between police, courts, and shelters, the impact will be limited
• Monitoring: A strong MIS system to track cases, complaints, and progress is essential
• Accountability: Monthly reports and district-level audits must be part of the model

If these are handled properly, the Shakti Apa initiative could become a model for other states as well.