The Orissa State Social Welfare  Board was set up in 1954 with the task of implementing and monitoring  different programmes of the Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB). During its 50 years of work, the Board has provided important support in the far-flung areas of the State for the development of neglected and marginalized women and children.

A number of programmes for women and children are funded by the CSWB such as Education for Women; Mahila Mandal; Crèche, Short Stay Home , Family Counselling Centre and Working Women’s Hostels. The OSSWB is presently running 341 Creches, 33 Family Counselling Centres, 31 Short Stay Homes, 12 Mahila Mandals, and 22 condensed courses for women. Furthermore 140 AGP camps with 3500 women are running.  Besides State Board has recommended proposal of 45 instructions for 200 AGP camps to Central Social Welfare Board, New Delhi for communicating sanction against allocation for the year 2005-06. Under the innovative scheme, a sum of Rs.4.40 lakhs was released in favour of “Mission Ashra” run by people’s forum.  The NGO to look after at least 30 lunatic wandering women.

46 Counselors of the FCC have recently been trained in counseling women and children who are victims of violence and sexual abuse or are threatened by it. These counselors are expected to provide important input to the activities of the Mahila and Shishu Desk proposed to be set up in all the Police Stations of the State during 2005-06.

The establishment and administrative expenditure of the State Board is met on a 50:50 basis by the Central Social Welfare Board and the State Government.

       An allocation of Rs.15.37 lakhs has been made during 2006-07 budget towards the establishment cost of the Board.