Bhubaneswar, Aug 19 [UDN}:The Odisha Minister for Women and Child Development, Pravati Parida, today inaugurated an orientation and training programme organized for the newly appointed Chairpersons and Members of the Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) at the State Institute for Women and Child Development.
Addressing the participants, she emphasized that the protection, dignity, safety and rights of every child must remain the highest priority while discharging the responsibilities entrusted to the Child Welfare Committees. She called upon the newly appointed Chairpersons and Members to perform their duties with sensitivity, sincerity, dedication, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility, keeping the best interests of children at the centre of every decision.
She stressed that children in difficult circumstances require a safe, supportive and dignified environment, and that the Child Welfare Committees have a crucial role in ensuring that every child receives appropriate care, protection, rehabilitation and access to their fundamental rights. She urged the members to approach every case with patience and empathy and to ensure that no child is deprived of protection or justice.
The orientation programme was aimed at strengthening the understanding and capacity of the newly constituted Child Welfare Committees regarding their statutory responsibilities, procedures and various aspects of child protection. The training is expected to help the members deal more effectively with cases involving children in need of care and protection and ensure that decisions are taken in accordance with the principles of child rights and the best interests of the child.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of coordination among different stakeholders working in the field of child protection. She emphasized that effective implementation of child welfare measures requires close cooperation between government departments, child protection institutions, statutory bodies, field-level officials and organizations working for children.
The programme was attended by Babita Patra, Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, along with senior departmental officials, representatives of UNICEF, and the newly appointed Chairpersons and Members of Child Welfare Committees from different parts of the state.
The participation of UNICEF representatives and departmental officials provided an opportunity for the newly appointed CWC members to gain a broader understanding of contemporary child protection practices, institutional responsibilities and the importance of a coordinated approach to safeguarding children’s rights.
The Minister reiterated that every child deserves to grow up in an environment of safety, dignity, equality and respect, and called upon all members of the Child Welfare Committees to work tirelessly towards building a stronger and more responsive child protection system in Odisha.
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