The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), in collaboration with the School & Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha, organised the National Conference on Child Rights at the Revenue Officers Training Institute (ROTI), Bhubaneswar.
Senior officials and experts joined the event, including Shri Jadumani Mahala, Additional Secretary, S&ME Department; Smt. Babita Patra, Chairperson, OSCPCR; Smt. Sangeeta Behera, ADG, OSEPA; Dr. Madhulika Sharma, Principal Research & Technical Expert, NCPCR; Shri Manoj Patra, JD, ROTI; and Dr. Santosh Kumar Rout, JD, OSEPA. Representatives from OSEPA, district administration, ADEOs, mental health officers, DCPOs, and SMC/PTA members also attended.
As Chief Guest, Smt. Babita Patra emphasised preventing school dropouts and curbing child migration through seasonal hostels. She stressed collaboration between WCD and S&ME departments and called for eliminating child marriage and child labour through counselling and community engagement. Shri Manoj Patra highlighted the impact of climate change on child rights and urged awareness on nutrition, sports, and holistic development. Shri Jadumani Mahala reaffirmed the government’s commitment to keeping every child in school with foundational learning support through initiatives like Shishu Vatika.
In her welcome address, Smt. Sangeeta Behera underscored the importance of safe and inclusive school environments. Dr. Madhulika Sharma presented NCPCR’s interventions, including resolving 26,000 child-related cases in six months, rescuing 2,300 children from labour and trafficking, repatriating 1,000 children to CCIs, and introducing initiatives such as the Sugar Board and AI-based mental health support systems.
