Bhubaneswar: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), in partnership with the School & Mass Education Department of the Odisha Government, convened a National Conference on key child rights concerns at the Revenue Officers Training Institute (ROTI) in Bhubaneswar. The programme brought together senior officials and child rights stakeholders, including Shri Jadumani Mahala, Additional Secretary, S&ME; 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 administrations, ADEOs, mental health professionals, DCPOs, and SMC/PTA members were also present.
Chief Guest Smt. Babita Patra emphasised the urgent need to reduce school dropout rates, prevent child migration by strengthening seasonal hostel systems, and enhance coordination between the WCD and S&ME departments. She also highlighted the role of counselling and community participation in eradicating child labour and child marriage. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Manoj Patra drew attention to the emerging challenges posed by climate change on child rights and called for renewed focus on nutrition, sports, and overall child development. Shri Jadumani Mahala reaffirmed the department’s resolve to ensure that every child stays enrolled in school and benefits from foundational learning initiatives such as Shishu Vatika.
The conference centred on advancing child protection mechanisms and promoting safer, more supportive environments for children both in schools and communities. Delivering the welcome address, Smt. Sangeeta Behera underlined the importance of nurturing inclusive and emotionally secure school spaces. Dr. Madhulika Sharma presented an overview of NCPCR’s major interventions, noting that the commission has resolved 26,000 child-related cases in the last six months, rescued and rehabilitated 2,300 children affected by labour and trafficking, and facilitated the repatriation of more than 1,000 children to CCIs in their home districts. She also highlighted new initiatives, including a Sugar Board and AI-enabled mental health support tools.
Eminent speakers led thematic sessions during the conference. Prof. Laxmidhar Behera (RIE, Bhubaneswar) spoke on implementing child protection provisions under NEP 2020; Prof. Gouranga Charan Nanda (Ravenshaw University) addressed mental health and well-being as part of holistic education; and Prof. Biraj Swain (NLU Odisha) detailed the legal frameworks related to Juvenile Justice, POCSO, and child safety.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Santosh Kumar Rout, Joint Director, OSEPA, who appreciated the contributions of dignitaries, experts, and participating departments for their collective efforts in making the national conference meaningful and impactful.
