"Our govenment has decided to enhance the representation of women in ULBs from the present level of 33 per cent to 50 per cent," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told reporters here.
Saying that the decision would have a "far reaching" impact, Patnaik claimed the state government and the ruling BJD were committed to the welfare of women in Odisha.
The state government's decision to raise the women's quota to 50 per cent in ULBs came after it provided 50 per cent reservation for female candidates in the three-tier panchayat elections held early this year.
The decision assumed significance as it came ahead of ensuing ULB polls for municipal corporations, Municipalities and notified area councils (NAC) scheduled to be held in 2013 and the general elections slated for 2014.