Karimnagar: In an effort to tackle the various challenges faced by women in Karimnagar, Telangana, District Collector Pamela Satpathy has introduced the 'Friday Sabha', a unique platform where women can discuss their concerns and receive timely resolutions. This initiative aims to provide a dedicated space for women to voice their issues, with applications accepted following the meetings.

The 'Friday Sabha' will involve not only homemakers and working women but also government staff, such as Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Anganwadi workers. Their participation is expected to ensure immediate responses to the concerns raised. The Collector has also encouraged pregnant women and new mothers to attend the sessions, highlighting the importance of community support and mental well-being.

In addition to resolving women's issues, the initiative will focus on health. Satpathy has urged women to take advantage of 50 health tests, valued at Rs 45,000 each, offered through the Arogya Mahila Program. These tests, available at government hospitals and primary health centres, will help in early detection and prevention of serious illnesses. For pregnant women, the District Collector emphasised the importance of regular checks, such as sugar, blood pressure, and liver function tests, to reduce maternal mortality rates.

Karimnagar’s Anganwadi Centres are also engaging in initiatives to promote creativity and development in children, providing education on par with private institutions.

Satpathy is known for her progressive welfare initiatives. Recently, she distributed free shoes to schoolchildren, benefiting the younger generation in the district. The 'Friday Sabha' is expected to launch soon, with great anticipation for its positive impact on women’s welfare in the district.

Pamela Satpathy is an IAS officer of the 2015 batch and belongs to the Telangana cadre. Before this assignment, she held the position of Commissioner & Director of Municipal Administration, heading all Urban Local Bodies of the state and holding an additional charge of State Mission Director for the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) under the Government of Telangana; getting to work with all women Self Help Groups in municipal areas.

Satpathy has also been listed in Bureaucrats India's 'The 23 Women Catalysts of 2023: Top Women Performers of Indian Bureaucracy,' released in January 2024. /BI