Nabarangpur, 23rd Aug 2025: A high-level coordination meeting on child protection was held today at the Mission Shakti Conference Hall under the supervision of the District Collector of Nabarangpur. The meeting was officially inaugurated by the District Collector, Dr. Maheshwar Swain, and welcomed participants on behalf of the District Child Protection Officer.
The primary focus of the meeting was the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2007, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the role and effective implementation of child marriage prohibition officers and child marriage information officers under the 2006 law. These four laws form the cornerstone of India’s child protection system, and the meeting emphasized strengthening their implementation at the district level.
In his opening remarks, the District Collector said:
“Child marriage, child labor, sexual harassment, school dropouts, and unsafe migration violate the fundamental rights of children. We must not allow any child to face such situations. Every child deserves safety, education, and dignity.”
He further stressed:
“Child protection is not the responsibility of a single department. Every officer, community leader, teacher, and parent must actively participate, starting from the grassroots level. Through collective efforts, we can create a safe, harassment-free environment for all children.”
During the session, Mr. Ajay Mishra highlighted legal aspects, while C.H. Shantakaram elaborated on child standards, child psychology, and how to implement protection measures effectively. Prabhasini Patnaik from Angan Trust discussed the successful role of child marriage prohibition officers and information officers under the 2006 law. Various officers also deliberated on key legal provisions and best practices. CDPOs shared field-level challenges and recommended solutions.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the District Collector emphasized:
“Every child in Nabarangpur is our responsibility. Child protection is not a matter of mere compliance; it is our highest priority.”
The meeting was attended by all district-level officials, including Draupadi Kahur, District Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Malay Mishra, ADMO, Block Child Development Project Officers, Supervisors, District Labour Officer, Members and Vice-Chairpersons of Child Welfare Committees, DSPs, Police, District Additional Welfare Officer, Education Department staff, Child Helpline personnel, various NGO representatives, Sakha Center staff, Probation Officers from DCPO, Kishore Martha, Samarendra Parida, Kishan Patnaik, and other stakeholders who actively participated in discussions.