Bhubaneswar: The BJD on Friday announced to organise women's conventions in each Assembly constituency of the state next month.

Women are considered the vote bank of the BJD. They have consistently supported the Naveen Patnaik government for the last 18 years. However, with the Centre's successful launching of cooking gas connection scheme under Ujjwala scheme, the BJD's base among women is believed to be under threat.

Attending the state women's executive committee meeting, BJD president and chief minister Naveen Patnaik said: "The women's convention of the party will be organised from September 24 to September 30. Even during the party's Jan Sampark Pada Yatra that is being organised every year, one day will be dedicated for women only. On that day, only women workers of the party will take part."

Addressing the women's representatives of the party, Naveen made them aware how the state government launched Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana to ensure proper health care of the people. Under the scheme, health care worth up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided to each poor family of the state every year.

He also reminded them how he increased the health coverage amount for women from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. It was enhanced by the chief minister Naveen Patnaik himself after a tribal woman from Malkangiri urged him to enhance the health coverage through videoconferencing.

Naveen cited how loans were being given on an one per cent annual interest rate to the women community through Mission Shakti and how it has brought a revolution in empowering the economy.

"All of you are the pillar of our party. All of you have carried the message and ideals of the party and strengthen the party," he told women.

BJD women's wing president Pramilla Mallick said: "All the women of the state are with the party. They are pleased with the government's initiatives. We will chalk out a plan on how to strengthen our base further across the state."