Bhubaneswar, Nov 20: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), in collaboration with the Odisha School & Mass Education Department organised a national conference on key child rights issues at the Revenue Officers Training Institute (ROTI), Bhubaneswar.

The event witnessed participation from senior officials, including Jadumani Mahala, Additional Secretary, S&ME Department, Babita Patra, Chairperson, OSCPCR, Sangeeta Behera, ADG, OSEPA, Dr. Madhulika Sharma, Principal Research & Technical Expert, NCPCR, Manoj Patra,JD, ROTI, and Dr. Santosh Kumar Rout, JD, OSEPA along with representatives from OSEPA, district administration, ADEOs, mental health officers, DCPOs, and SMC/PTA members.

Addressing the gathering, Babita Patra stressed the importance of preventing school dropouts, curbing child migration through seasonal hostels, strengthening interdepartmental collaboration between WCD and S&ME, and eliminating child marriage and child labour through counselling and community engagement.

Manoj Patra highlighted the growing impact of climate change on child rights and called for increased awareness on nutrition, sports, and holistic development.

Jadumani Mahala reiterated the commitment to ensuring that every child remains in school and receives foundational learning support through initiatives like Shishu Vatika.

The conference aimed at advancing policies and practices to ensure child safety, protection, and holistic well-being in schools and communities.

Sangeeta Behera underscored the need for safe, inclusive, and emotionally supportive school environments.

Dr. Madhulika Sharma highlighted NCPCR’s key interventions, including the resolution of 26,000 child-related cases in the past six months, the rescue and rehabilitation of 2,300 children affected by labour and trafficking, the repatriation of over 1,000 children to home-district CCIs, and the introduction of new initiatives such as the Sugar Board and AI-based mental health support systems.

The conference featured thematic sessions by eminent experts: Prof. Laxmidhar Behera (RIE Bhubaneswar) discussed operationalising child protection under NEP 2020; Prof. Gouranga Charan Nanda (Ravenshaw University) spoke on mental health and well-being in the context of holistic education; and Prof. Biraj Swain (NLU Odisha) elaborated on the legal framework surrounding Juvenile Justice, POCSO, and child safety.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Santosh Kumar Rout, Joint Director, OSEPA, who acknowledged the contributions of all dignitaries, experts, and participating departments in making the conference a success.