Cuttack , Odisha : The Juvenile Justice Committee of the Odisha High Court, in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) and UNICEF, organised a state-level consultation on Juvenile Justice and Safety of the Girl Child at Cuttack on Saturday. The workshop aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and improve protection mechanisms for children, especially vulnerable girls.
The event witnessed the participation of judges, senior officials, police officers, child welfare experts, NGOs, and representatives from UNICEF, who shared perspectives on building a more robust child protection system in Odisha.
Justice Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Chief Justice of the Odisha High Court and Patron-in-Chief of the Juvenile Justice Committee, inaugurated the consultation. In his keynote address, he stressed the importance of effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and called for stronger partnerships between the judiciary, law enforcement, and child welfare institutions.
“Ensuring the safety of every child is not just a statutory responsibility but a moral obligation. All stakeholders must work in unison to create a protective environment where children can thrive,” Justice Mishra said.
Justice Savitri Ratho, Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, highlighted the challenges faced by children in conflict with the law and those in need of care and protection. She underlined the urgency of speedy rehabilitation, proper counselling, and greater awareness against gender-based violence and discrimination.
Officials from the WCD Department reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to expand child protection services, strengthen shelter homes, and train personnel engaged in handling child-related cases. UNICEF representatives praised Odisha’s proactive measures but urged greater investment in prevention strategies, particularly at the grassroots level, to address issues such as child trafficking, early marriage, and online exploitation.
The workshop also hosted panel discussions on child-friendly policing, legal aid mechanisms for juveniles, digital safety, and the role of community vigilance in preventing exploitation of girls. Best practices from various districts were presented, offering practical models that could be replicated across Odisha.
Participants agreed that strong institutional support, combined with community awareness and family involvement, is key to safeguarding children’s rights.
The consultation concluded with a collective call to action, urging all stakeholders to ensure that every child in Odisha grows up in a safe, secure, and supportive environment, free from fear and exploitation.
Also Read : Odisha Hosts Workshop on Gender-Inclusive Development
