Child Help Desks to be set up at railway stations and bus stands across Odisha

In a significant move towards strengthening child protection mechanisms, the Odisha government has decided to establish Child Help Desks at railway stations and bus stands across the state. The decision was taken during a state-level child protection review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.

The meeting focused on the effective implementation of the Central Government’s Mission Vatsalya scheme, which aims at ensuring comprehensive child welfare and rehabilitation. Officials discussed strategies to improve child safety and streamline the adoption process.

Reports presented during the meeting revealed a steady increase in child adoption across the country over the last three years, with a higher preference observed for girl children over boys. Odisha currently has 160 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and 33 independent adoption agencies.

Officials informed that 98% of children residing in child care homes in the state have been Aadhaar-registered. Additionally, over 51,000 children have been enrolled under the Ashirbad Yojana, which provides financial and social support to orphaned or vulnerable children.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring every child in need receives protection, care, and opportunities for a better future.