In a significant initiative aimed at promoting adolescent participation in governance and policymaking, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida interacted with young people from across the state through ‘Advika Barta’, a first-of-its-kind statewide dialogue platform.
The programme was jointly organized by the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) and UNICEF under the ‘A Day for Children’ initiative.
Youth from All 30 Districts Participate
Held during the Raja Parba celebrations, the event brought together adolescent girls and boys associated with Advika groups from different parts of Odisha. While several participants attended the programme in person at the Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar, representatives from all 30 districts joined virtually in the presence of district officials and administrators.
The interactive session provided a platform for young people to directly share their views, concerns, and aspirations with policymakers.
Discussions on Education, Safety and Leadership
During the two-hour interaction, participants raised questions and shared experiences on a range of issues, including education, safety, gender equality, child rights, health, skill development, leadership opportunities, and future career aspirations.
The adolescents also offered suggestions on improving government programmes and services designed for young people, emphasizing the need for greater opportunities and support systems.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Addressing the participants, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida reiterated the Odisha government’s commitment to ensuring that adolescents have a meaningful role in decisions affecting their lives.
She encouraged young people to actively engage in community development and leadership activities and assured them that their recommendations would be considered in future policy discussions.
Officials and Stakeholders Attend Event
The programme was attended by Babita Patra, Chairperson of OSCPCR; Prasanta Dash, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Odisha; Sovana Mohanty, Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women; and other senior officials.
The event was also streamed digitally, enabling wider public participation and highlighting the leadership potential, concerns, and aspirations of Odisha’s adolescents.