Odisha convened a high-level consultation in Bhubaneswar to discuss the proposed Odisha Resource Centre for Ageing & Divyangjan (ORCAD).
The initiative aims to strengthen inclusive governance and create future-ready systems for older persons and persons with disabilities.
The Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SS & EPD), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, organised the meeting. Senior officials, UN representatives, and domain experts participated, including members from UNDP and UNICEF.
ORCAD is envisioned as a state-level centre of excellence to advance inclusion, accessibility, and coordinated service delivery. The centre will promote convergence across departments, evidence-driven policy, and capacity building, aligning with the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and 2047.
Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar Vashishth emphasised the importance of responsive systems to address complex needs arising from demographic transitions. Director Parul Patawari highlighted ORCAD’s role as a knowledge hub for research, capacity building, and policy innovation.
The consultation included inputs from departments such as Health & Family Welfare, School & Mass Education, Higher Education, Mission Shakti, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, and Women & Child Development. Discussions generated actionable insights to refine ORCAD’s institutional design and governance structure.
Dr Nadeem Noor, State Head of UNFPA Odisha, presented the proposed framework developed with SS & EPD. The session was chaired by the Principal Secretary, SS & EPD Department.
