A programme on child rights with a special focus on alternative childcare was held here on Friday to sensitise the field functionaries of NGOs and frontline workers of the Health Department and the ICDS in Kalahandi district.
"The programme is aimed at sensitising the field functionaries working for protection of rights of children in need of care and protection. We feel that the growth of children is much better at home than in institutions; thus, we are focusing on this alternative care method," said Ashok Pattnaik, chief executive of NGO KARRTABYA, which organised the programme.
A district-level taskforce against violations of child rights was also launched on the occasion. This body was formed to track cases of child rights violations in the district and act as a support group for the District Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
CWC President Dr Ajaya Mishra, social worker Aradhana Nanda and the District Social Welfare Officer spoke on the occasion.