Addressing a State level consultation on bailing out children in a difficult situation, Steel and Mines and labour Minister Parfulla Kumar Mallik emphasised on the need of providing education and skill training to the children to wean them away from joining Maoist fronts.
“The hostels from class I must ensure that there is continued education and skill based education. There is a need to create opportunities for children to address their aspirations,” he said.
Plan India in collaboration with CINI, CYSD, Orissa Alliance of Child Rights, PECUC and ClAP organised the meeting which was a part of the phased process for an upcoming regional consultation and the national consultation scheduled to be organised this year.
Attending the seminar, OSCPCR chairperson Kasturi Mohapatra highlighted that despite many laws and legislations child rights are not being addressed appropriately. There is a need for attitudinal change and resource allocation needs to be done appropriately. The focus should be on the best interest of the child, she said.
Former State Information Commissioner Jagadananda Mishra emphasized on the children’s rights like survival, protection, development and participation. He highlighted a 5-point strategy in which the data and statistics on child protection is required, the emerging innovative practices needs to be documented and the children voices needs to be heard.
Plan India State Manager Tushar KantiDash highlighted the need to reach to the most vulnerable section of children whose basic needs for food, shelter, education, medical care and security are not met. He shared the upcoming regional and the national conference scheduled to happen in 2016.
The welcome address was given by CYSD chairman PK Sahoo. Plan India senior programme manager Dr Sneha Siddham said India being a signatory to the UNCRC has committed that the last child should come first and all the entitlements of the children are met.
Rajib K Haldar from CINI focused that there needs to be a discussion in defining the strategies, programmes and challenges on the issues of CIDC. A synergic action among the small and big organisations is required and children led participatory process is required.
Among others Tata Steel CSR head Ambika Nanda spoke.