Bhubaneswar: In a bid to ensure the safety of children during natural disasters and fire, the state government has decided to prepare a disaster management protocol for child care institutions.
The Orissa State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has taken up the initiative to prepare the disaster management protocol, which will be followed by all childcare institutions like anganwadis during disasters like cyclones, tsunami, floods, etc, sources said Sunday.
A preliminary meeting was held recently between the officials of the Women and Child Development and Mission Shakti Department and OSDMA to discuss the issue.
It was decided at the meeting to constitute a committee comprising representatives of various stakeholders for achieving the desired objectives, which, in turn, would maximise attention towards the safety of the children housed in the various childcare institutions, the source said.
Representatives from Women and Child Development Department, Special Relief Commissioner, UNICEF, UNDP, Works Department, Child Welfare Committee, NGOs and District Child Protection Officer will be included in the panel.
The OSDMA will prepare a concept note on disaster management protocol incorporating all suggestions given by members of the panel, they said.
Following the finalisation of the draft protocol, it will be placed before the OSDMA for final approval. At present, under the Clause VI of Section 3 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and sub-rule (10) of rule 67 of the Juvenile Justice Model Rules 2016, the shift in-charge of the childcare institution are responsible for taking necessary steps for evacuation and safety of children housed in CCI, during fire or any natural disaster.
PNN