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.

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Alarming Findings from NCRB Report

The latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau (National Crime Records Bureau) for 2024 has raised serious concerns over child safety in Odisha. The data reveals worrying trends in child-related crimes, particularly in investigation, prosecution, and conviction rates.

Low Charge Sheet Filing Rate

Odisha has been placed among the worst-performing states in terms of charge sheet filing in child crime cases. The charge sheet filing rate in 2024 stands at just 35.5%, significantly lower than the national average of 62.7%. This indicates major delays in investigation and legal processing of cases involving crimes against children.

Poor Conviction Rate Adds to Concern

The conviction rate in child crime cases in Odisha is also extremely low at 11%, compared to the national average of 34.1%. This reflects serious challenges in ensuring justice for victims and holding offenders accountable.

High Pendency of Cases in Courts

Another major concern highlighted in the report is the high pendency of cases. Around 92.2% of child-related crime cases remain pending in courts, showing a heavy burden on the judicial system and delays in delivering justice.

Odisha Tops in Child Abduction Cases

The report further states that Odisha has emerged as the number one state in India in child abduction cases in 2024. A total of 6,815 child abduction cases were registered in the state, with an abduction rate of 47.3%, which has shocked many observers.

Government Response and Claims of Improvement

Following the release of the report, the state government has claimed that the situation is improving after the change in leadership in 2024. Authorities stated that efforts are being made to speed up investigations and improve charge sheet filing and conviction rates in child-related crime cases.

Focus on Awareness and Education

The State Child Protection Commission has emphasized the need for increased awareness and better education to prevent crimes against children. Officials believe that social awareness, along with stronger enforcement, is essential to address the growing concern.

Conclusion

The NCRB 2024 data highlights a critical situation in Odisha regarding child safety and justice delivery. While the government claims reforms are underway, the current statistics reflect significant challenges in investigation efficiency, conviction rates, and overall child protection mechanisms.

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