In a major step towards encouraging youth participation in public decision-making, the Odisha Government organized the annual Advika Barta programme at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The initiative aims to give adolescents a direct platform to engage with policymakers and share their views on issues affecting their lives.
The programme was conducted under the ‘Day for Children’ initiative and jointly organized by the Odisha Government, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), and UNICEF.
Adolescents From All 30 Districts Participate
Through video conferencing, adolescents from all 30 districts of Odisha joined the interactive session and engaged directly with state leadership. Participants discussed a range of issues, including education, healthcare, safety, skill development, and child rights.
The event provided an opportunity for young people to express their aspirations, concerns, and suggestions for improving services and opportunities available to children and adolescents across the state.
Deputy CM Encourages Youth Engagement
During the session, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida listened to the experiences shared by participants and highlighted the importance of involving young people in governance.
She emphasized that understanding the challenges faced by adolescents helps the government design more effective policies and welfare schemes.
According to Parida, feedback from young citizens can play a vital role in shaping initiatives that support Odisha’s development and create better opportunities for future generations.
UNICEF Praises Odisha’s Child Participation Model
UNICEF Odisha Chief Prasanta Dash praised the state’s unique “One Day for Children” concept, describing it as an innovative approach to involving children in governance.
He noted that meaningful participation by children and adolescents can strengthen public policy and help governments better understand grassroots issues.
Dash also encouraged wider adoption of such initiatives to ensure that young people become active partners in governance and nation-building.
Platform for Child Rights and Policy Dialogue
Officials said Advika Barta is designed to empower children and adolescents by giving them a voice in decisions that impact their education, health, safety, and future well-being.
The initiative also provides policymakers with valuable insights into the real-life challenges faced by young people at the grassroots level, helping create more responsive and inclusive governance.
Celebrating Youth Voices During Raja Festival
Advika Barta is organized annually during the Raja Festival and on the occasion of World Children’s Day. The programme has emerged as an important platform for fostering dialogue between children and decision-makers while promoting awareness of child rights and youth empowerment.
By encouraging direct interaction between adolescents and government leaders, Odisha continues to strengthen its efforts to build inclusive governance and ensure that young voices contribute to shaping the state’s future.
