Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 (UDN): : The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) celebrated its 16th Foundation Day with great enthusiasm at the Convention Hall of Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Monday, under the theme “Adyasha – Hope of Childhood, Voice of the Future.” The occasion marked an important milestone in the Commission’s journey towards protecting, promoting and monitoring the rights of children across the state.
On this significant occasion, the Commission’s Annual Report was formally released, along with the launch of the “Guidelines for Online Safety of Children in Odisha (2026–2030)”, an important initiative aimed at strengthening children’s safety and security in the rapidly evolving digital age. The initiative is expected to provide a structured framework for protecting children from online threats and ensuring a safe, inclusive and child-friendly environment for every child in Odisha.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida attended the programme as the Chief Guest and emphasised the collective responsibility of all sections of society in ensuring children’s protection, education, empowerment and holistic development. She stated that safeguarding children and providing them with quality education, equal opportunities and a secure environment are fundamental to building a prosperous and developed Odisha as well as a developed India.
She further highlighted the importance of ensuring that every child gets equal opportunities, a safe atmosphere and adequate support to identify and develop their talents. She stressed that active cooperation among the government, institutions, civil society organisations and all other stakeholders is essential to creating an environment where children can grow, learn and realise their full potential.
The programme began with attractive cultural performances by children, showcasing their talents, creativity and inherent capabilities. The performances reflected the importance of nurturing children’s artistic abilities and providing them with opportunities to express themselves.
Subsequently, OSCPCR Chairperson Babita Patra delivered the welcome address, highlighting the Commission’s 16-year journey, its achievements and its continued efforts towards strengthening child rights protection mechanisms in Odisha. She reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every child can develop their abilities and achieve their full potential.
Several distinguished dignitaries attended the celebration as Guests of Honour, including Odisha Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan; Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Minister, and Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia; Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Dr Mrinalini Darswal; and UNICEF Odisha Chief of Field Office Prashant Das.
The presence of Chairpersons of the State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights from Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka, along with the Executive Director of ChildFund India, added further significance to the event and provided an opportunity for discussions and exchange of experiences on strengthening child protection initiatives.
A major focus of the programme was the growing importance of children’s online safety in the digital era. Detailed discussions were held on initiatives jointly undertaken by OSCPCR and ChildFund India to protect children from emerging cyber threats, including cyberbullying, online grooming, sexual exploitation and other forms of online abuse.
The newly launched guidelines for 2026–2030 are intended to strengthen awareness, preventive measures and institutional responses to online risks affecting children. The initiative seeks to promote responsible digital practices and strengthen the collective efforts of stakeholders to make the online environment safer for children.
On the occasion, individuals, government officials and institutions that have made significant contributions to the protection and promotion of children’s rights were felicitated in recognition of their dedicated work and commitment.
Officials from various government departments engaged in child protection, representatives of partner organisations, child rights activists, social organisations and other stakeholders actively participated in the celebration. Their participation highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts and collective action in addressing challenges related to children’s safety, welfare, dignity and overall development.
The 16th Foundation Day celebration reaffirmed the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights’ commitment to building a society where every child enjoys dignity, security, equal opportunities and the right to a bright future.
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