The Orissa State Commission for Women was established in the year 1993. Dr. Jyoti Panigrahi is appointed as State Commissioner for Women in Orissa.

The objective for establishment of Orissa State Commission for Women is to make in-depth studies on.

(a) The economic, educational, and health situation of women of the State, with particular emphasis on the tribal district and areas which are under develop with respect to women's literacy, mortality and economic development.

(b) Condition in which women work in factories, establishment, construction sites and other similar situations and recommend to the State Government on the basis of specific reports on improving the status of women in the said areas.

(c) Compile information from time to time on instances of all offences against women in the state or in selected areas, including case related to marriage and dowry, rape, kidnapping, criminal abduction, eve-teasing, immoral trafficking in women and cases of medical negligence in causing delivery or sterilization or medical intervention that relates to child bearing or child birth.

(d) Will coordinate with the State Cell and district Cells for atrocities against women if any for mobilization of public opinion in the state as a whole or in specific areas which would help in speedy reporting and dictation of offences of such atrocities and mobilization or public opinion against the offender.

(e) Receive complaints on

  (i)  Atrocities on women and offences against women,
 (ii)  Deprivation of women of their rights related to minimum wages, basic health and maternity rights.
 (iii) Non compliance of Policy decisions of the Government relating to women.
 (iv) Rehabilitation of deserted and destitute women and women folk in to prostitution
 (v)  Atrocities on women in custody and take up with authorities concerned for appropriate remedial measure,

(f) Assist, train and orient the NGO in the state in legal counseling of poor women and enabling, such women to get legal aid.

(g) Inspect or cause to be inspected, a Jail, Remand Home, women's institution or other place of custody where women are kept as prisoners or otherwise and take up with the concerned authorities for remedial action, if found necessary.

(h) Perform functions in relation to any other matter, which may be referred to it by the State Government.

(i) An amount of Rs.55.99 lakhs has been provided during the year 2009-10.

In the calendar year 2009 the Commission received 2481 nos. of cases and disposed off 1409 nos. of cases as detailed below.

Registered and disposed off cases in Orissa State Commission for Women for the calendar year, 2009