Collective Action Needed to Build Child-Friendly and Child Labour-Free Cities: Experts

A strong community-based child protection system involving families, communities, institutions, and government departments is essential to build a child labour-free and child-friendly Bhubaneswar, experts and stakeholders emphasized during a consultation on “Vikshit Odisha: Safe Childhood, Child Labour-Free and Child-Friendly Bhubaneswar.”

The consultation was organized by the People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) in collaboration with the Labour & ESI Department, Government of Odisha, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), and Adoptionscentrum.

Call for Child Protection Wards Across the City

Speakers stressed that every ward in Bhubaneswar should be developed as a Child Protection Ward to ensure the safety, education, and well-being of children. They highlighted the need to identify child labourers, form ward-level Child Protection Committees, track out-of-school children, and ensure access to education for every child.

The participants also emphasized rehabilitation and educational support for children rescued from child labour, the creation of safe parks and child-friendly public spaces, and the inclusion of children’s needs in urban planning and governance.

Officials Emphasise Education and Child Protection

Addressing the inaugural session, Madan Mohan Paika, Additional Labour Commissioner, Labour & ESI Department, Odisha, underscored the importance of collective efforts to eliminate child labour and ensure every child has access to education, protection, and opportunities for healthy development.

The session was chaired by Dr. Minakshi Panda, Chairperson of PECUC. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of PECUC, delivered the keynote address, while Anuradha Mohanty, Executive Director of PECUC, welcomed participants and outlined the objectives of the consultation.

Representatives from OSCPCR, including Chandana Das, Kasturi Mishra, and Mansmita Khuntia, along with child rights advocate Tapas Kumar Sarangi and senior journalist Pradosh Kumar Pattanaik, shared their recommendations for strengthening child protection systems.

Mayor Calls for Strong Stakeholder Coordination

Speaking at the valedictory session, Sulochana Das, Mayor of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), stated that a child-friendly and child labour-free Bhubaneswar can only be achieved through collective action and effective coordination among all stakeholders.

She emphasized the need for sustained efforts to ensure the safety, protection, and overall well-being of every child in the city.

Experts Discuss Strategies for Child-Friendly Cities

A panel discussion chaired by Kanta Mohanty, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Khordha, focused on strategies for developing child labour-free and child-friendly cities.

The panel featured Dr. Bhakta Bandhu Acharya, Senior Consultant, Labour & ESI; Dr. Pritikant Panda, State Programme Manager, OSCPS; and Ghasiram Panda, Consultant, UNICEF. The experts discussed preventive measures, protection mechanisms, educational interventions, and community participation as key pillars for safeguarding children.

Strengthening Community-Based Child Protection Systems

Another panel discussion on “Building Strong Community Systems for Child Protection and Child Well-being in Bhubaneswar Smart City” was chaired by Chandana Das, Member, OSCPCR.

Among the distinguished speakers were Sukant Kumar Pradhan, Additional Secretary, Skill Development & Technical Education Department; Mamata Sahoo, Chairperson, CWC Bhubaneswar; Sonali Priyadarshini, BSSO Bhubaneswar; Banita Maharana, Inspector of Police; Rajashree Goswami, CDPO, BMC-2; Brahmananda Rout, BEO, Bhubaneswar; and Manoranjan Dash, CRS.

The speakers highlighted the importance of strengthening community-led child protection mechanisms and fostering coordinated efforts among government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities.

Resolution for a Safe Childhood and Vikshit Odisha

During the consultation, participants adopted a resolution committing themselves to work together to make Bhubaneswar a city where every child can learn, play, participate, and grow with dignity.

The resolution envisioned a city free from child labour, where every child has the freedom to dream and achieve their potential, describing it as a crucial step toward building a “Vikshit Odisha” and ensuring “Surakshit Shaishab” (Safe Childhood).

Prativa Nalini Pati of the Inner Wheel Club and Para Olympian Lina Swain also addressed the gathering.

The programme was moderated by Ratna Das, Treasurer of PECUC, while Rashmi Rekha of PECUC delivered the vote of thanks.

Around 200 participants, including government officials, teachers, corporators, representatives of civil society organizations, government departments, academia, youth, and children, attended the consultation.