Odisha to Launch Statewide Survey to Identify and Support Vulnerable Children

Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at ensuring the welfare and protection of vulnerable children, the Odisha Government is preparing to conduct a detailed survey of orphans and children living with single parents across all districts. The initiative is designed to identify children in need of care and ensure they receive adequate support, including access to education, healthcare, and social protection schemes.

The Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) has issued detailed instructions to all district collectors, including standard formats for data collection. The survey will be carried out by Anganwadi workers and closely monitored by district-level officials such as DSWOs, ICDS supervisors, CDPOs, and DCPOs to ensure accuracy and accountability.

As part of the structured rollout, the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS) will complete state-level training for master trainers by June 26. This will be followed by district-level training sessions by July 5 and training of Anganwadi workers at the sector level by July 10. The survey will take place from July 11 to July 21, with data being submitted to ICDS supervisors for verification.

Subsequently, the verified forms will be forwarded to CDPOs by July 25, and then to the District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) between July 26 and August 2. The OSCPS will compile and submit the final information to the WCD Department by September 4.

The decision comes in light of increasing challenges faced by children who have lost one or both parents. Officials say many of these children lack access to basic resources and are at risk of falling through the cracks of existing welfare systems.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, the WCD Department noted that Odisha has already introduced several institutional and non-institutional care measures. However, the upcoming survey will further strengthen efforts to protect these children and uphold their rights, dignity, and development.

“These children are not just numbers. They carry the burden of personal loss and deserve special care,” stated the department in its directive. “Through this survey, we aim to reach every child in distress and ensure they are not deprived of the support they deserve.”