- The oath: No child in need is left behind
- Children are the main source of developed nation
- “Ahwana” – Let’s join hands to protect child rights
Bhubaneswar,: Today is the 13th Foundation Day of Odisha State Child Rights Protection Commission. Speaking on the occasion through the VC, Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik said that Children represent the present and the future, as they will be the leaders of our state tomorrow. My government has been unwavering in its commitment to investing in our children, primarily through initiatives aimed at providing quality education, healthcare, and supplementary nutrition programs. For children who have sadly lost their families, we have established robust support systems within the state machinery. Under the Ashirbad scheme, we have provided support to 50,827 children who lost their parents during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights plays a crucial role in monitoring the successful implementation of these programs, ensuring that the needs of every child are met.
Mrs. Basanti Hembram, Minister, Women and Child Development, Mission Shakti opined that all of us together are not only protecting the rights of our children but also fulfilling their potential. Commissioner-cum-Secretary Mrs. Shubha Sharma strongly hoped that the overall development of the children can be possible by working in harmony with each other.
On this occasion the theme “Ahwana”– Let’s join hands to protect child were discussed. The Minister Smt. Hembram has presented a certificate and an artefact to Puri DCPO, as the best child rights district and Latika Pradhan, MLA, Kabisuryanagar for the best MLA for child protection rights activities. Brave child warriors from different districts who fought against child labour and child marriage were also awarded on this occasion. Various posters related to child rights and advocacy and child marriage were unveiled during the retreat.
Smt. Mandakini Kar, the chairperson, Odisha State Child Rights Protection Commission in her welcome speech called for collective commitment to protect child rights. Sushant Raut, MLA of North Bhubaneswar, Mr. William Hanlon, Chief Field Officer of UNICEF Ms. Sumitra Jena Adviser of Women and Child Development Department and Prabhat Kumar Sahoo, Secretary of Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and others were also present on this occasion.
