Odisha Dy CM urges CWC to prioritise ‘best interest of child’

Bhubaneswar, Aug 17 (IANS) Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Welfare Pravati Parida on Monday called upon newly joined members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) to ensure that the “best interest of the child” remains central to every decision and intervention.

Parida, who also holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, was speaking at the inauguration of a five‑day training programme for the second batch of newly joined CWC members at the State Institute for Women and Children (SIWC) campus in Bhubaneswar.

According to official sources, 58 CWC members from 27 districts will undergo training under the programme. Addressing the gathering, Parida reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and enabling environment for every child.

She emphasised the importance of coordinated and compassionate efforts by all stakeholders to safeguard children’s rights, dignity and well‑being.

Urging the members to discharge their responsibilities with sensitivity, dedication and empathy, she said the “best interest of the child” must remain at the heart of every intervention.

The Deputy Chief Minister also interacted with the newly inducted members, engaging with them to gain firsthand insights into their grassroots‑level experiences, challenges and perspectives in dealing with matters concerning children.

In the first batch, 78 newly appointed members received training, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and orientation needed to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

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.

–IANS

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