Odisha Govt to Survey Orphans, Single-Parent Children Across State

Bhubaneswar : In a major step toward protecting vulnerable children, the Odisha Government has decided to conduct a comprehensive survey of orphans and children with single parents living in difficult conditions. The Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) has directed all district collectors to initiate the process with clear guidelines and data collection formats.

The survey will be carried out by Anganwadi workers under the supervision of district-level officials, including DSWOs, ICDS Supervisors, CDPOs, and DCPOs. State-level training by the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS) will conclude by June 26, followed by district and sector-level training by July 10.

The field survey will be conducted from July 11 to 21, and the data verification process will conclude by August 2. Final submissions to the WCD Department are scheduled by September 4.

This initiative addresses the increasing number of children requiring care and protection. “Children who have lost parents or live with a single earning parent are special to us. We are committed to ensuring their rights, protection, and dignity,” said the WCD Department in its directive.