With cold wave conditions prevailing in various parts of the State, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has directed all district Collectors to ensure that no child sleeps under open sky in chilling temperature.
In a letter to the Collectors, the commission said many children along with their homeless parents in several urban areas are seen sleeping under the open sky in cold winter nights. This raises serious concern for their safety and security. The possible increasing impact of Covid-19 due to winter as predicted by health experts is adding to their vulnerability.In this context, the commission directed the Collectors to comply with the following points within 15 days.
1) To organise special awareness drives for identification of such vulnerable children and their families in all urban local bodies and launch a campaign emphasising ‘no child should sleep under the open sky’.
A dedicated telephone number/ WhatsApp number can be assigned and widely disseminated to receive information with a commitment to attend complaints within half an hour of receiving.
2) To ensure coordination between DCPU and ULBs for ensuring shelters as provisioned under the Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH) programme. Where there is no permanent shelter, immediate arrangement of temporary shelter can be carried out in coordination with State Urban Development Agency (SUDA).
3) To register the names and ensure basic amenities, safety and securities for the children with or without their parents/guardians.
4) To facilitate child-friendly space within the SUH, orient and counsel them on Covid-appropriate behaviour.
5) To ensure monthly review and submit progress reports along with lists of all such children district wise.