Odisha Govt Focuses on Child-Centric Governance, Begins CWC Capacity Building Initiative

Bhubaneswar: Reiterating the Odisha Government’s focus on strengthening child protection and ensuring a responsive support system for vulnerable children, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Tuesday inaugurated a five-day Orientation Training Programme for newly appointed Chairpersons and Members of Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) in the state.

Addressing the inaugural session, Parida said children are the country’s most valuable resource and safeguarding their rights requires coordinated efforts from both government institutions and society. She emphasised that Odisha is working to build a stronger child protection framework through continuous capacity building, improved service delivery, robust monitoring systems and regular training of frontline functionaries.

The training programme has been organised by the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS) under the Women & Child Development Department with the objective of preparing newly appointed CWC members to effectively perform their statutory responsibilities under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Over the five days, participants will receive orientation on child rights, legal provisions, institutional care, rehabilitation mechanisms, case management and practical approaches to handling matters related to children in need of care and protection.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the functioning of Child Welfare Committees and enhancing institutional capacity to deliver timely and child-centric interventions across Odisha.