Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, today inaugurated a five-day training programme for the second batch of newly joined members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC)) at the State Institute for Women and Children (SIWC) Campus in Bhubaneswar. A total of 58 CWC members from 27 districts will undergo training under the programme.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and enabling environment for every child. She emphasised the importance of coordinated and compassionate efforts by all stakeholders in safeguarding the rights, dignity and well-being of children. Urging the newly joined CWC members to discharge their responsibilities with sensitivity, dedication and empathy, she called upon them to ensure that the “best interest of the child” remains at the heart of every decision and intervention.
Deputy Chief Minister further interacted with the newly inducted members of the Child Welfare Committees, engaging with them to gain firsthand insights into their grassroots-level experiences, challenges and perspectives in dealing with matters concerning children.
It is noteworthy that in the first batch, 78 newly appointed members have received training, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills and orientation to effectively discharge their responsibilities towards the welfare and protection of children. The training programme aims to strengthen the capacity of CWC members and enhance their understanding of child protection mechanisms, statutory responsibilities and effective implementation of child welfare measures. The training will focus on strengthening a child-sensitive, rights-based and responsive approach towards children in need of care and protection.
Among those present were Babita Patra, Chairperson, OSCPCR, Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of WCD, Monisha Banerjee, Director, ICDS & SW and OSCPs; Reeni Kurian, Officer-In-Charge and CFO, UNICEF ; and Sumitra Pattanaik, Additional Secretary to Government, CW Section, Women & Child Development Department and members of CWC, UNICEF.
