Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 (UDN): Protecting children’s rights, ensuring their dignity and safety, and promoting their holistic development are the foundations of building a healthy, prosperous and progressive society. Every child has the fundamental right to enjoy a happy childhood, quality education, equal opportunities and a safe and secure environment.
Today, I attended the 16th Foundation Day celebration of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), held at the Conference Hall of Lok Seva Bhawan. On this occasion, I congratulated the Commission for its dedicated and commendable efforts towards safeguarding children’s rights, ensuring their welfare and creating a brighter future for every child. Over the past 16 years, the Commission has played a significant role not only in protecting children’s rights but also in promoting their overall growth and development.
Creating awareness about sensitive issues such as child marriage, child labour, human trafficking, school dropouts and online safety in the digital age, while ensuring justice, dignity and protection for children, remains one of our foremost collective responsibilities. Active cooperation and coordinated efforts from the government, families, educational institutions, panchayats, police and every section of society are essential to effectively address these challenges and build a child-friendly environment.
In this regard, the ‘Adika’ programme is an innovative and highly commendable initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls, strengthening their self-confidence and creating greater awareness about their rights. Such initiatives play a vital role in encouraging young girls to become confident, informed and empowered individuals who can actively shape their own futures.
Creating a safe, inclusive and child-friendly environment that provides equal opportunities for every child must be our collective commitment. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, dream and achieve their full potential without fear, discrimination or exploitation.
On this prestigious occasion, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida, Forest and Environment Minister Shri Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department Dr. Mrinalini Darshwal, OSCPCR Chairperson Smt. Babita Patra, UNICEF Odisha Field Office Chief Shri Prashant Das, along with other distinguished guests and senior officials, were present.
Let us collectively reaffirm our commitment to protecting the smiles, dreams, dignity and rights of every child. By working together, we can build a safer, stronger, more inclusive and prosperous Odisha where every child enjoys a secure childhood, equal opportunities and a bright future.