Bhubaneswar, August 17: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Women and Child Development Minister Pravati Parida on Monday urged newly inducted members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) to ensure that the “best interest of the child” remains at the centre of every decision and intervention.

Parida was speaking at the inauguration of a five-day training programme for the second batch of newly appointed CWC members at the State Institute for Women and Children (SIWC) campus in Bhubaneswar.

A total of 58 CWC members from 27 districts are participating in the training programme, aimed at strengthening their capacity to effectively discharge their statutory responsibilities.

Addressing the gathering, Parida reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating a safe, secure and enabling environment for every child. She stressed the need for coordinated, compassionate and sustained efforts by all stakeholders to protect children’s rights, dignity and well-being.

Urging the CWC members to perform their duties with sensitivity, dedication and empathy, the Deputy Chief Minister said the best interest of the child must guide every intervention involving children in need of care and protection.

Parida also interacted with the newly inducted members and sought to understand their grassroots-level experiences, challenges and perspectives in handling child-related issues.

The first batch of 78 newly appointed CWC members had earlier undergone training to equip them with the knowledge, skills and orientation required to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

The ongoing training programme will focus on strengthening the members’ understanding of child protection mechanisms, statutory duties and the effective implementation of child welfare measures. It will also emphasise a child-sensitive, rights-based and responsive approach towards children in need of care and protection.