Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government, in collaboration with Unicef, has taken a significant step toward strengthening social protection systems in the state by initiating discussions on the Social Policy and Social Protection Action Plan (SPSP) for the period 2025–2027.
A high-level meeting was held in Bhubaneswar, chaired by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, where officials from various state departments and Unicef representatives came together to outline strategies aimed at ensuring that the state’s most vulnerable populations—particularly children, adolescents, and women—benefit from inclusive and responsive policies. The action plan focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of social protection systems by making them more gender-responsive, climate-adaptive, and shock-resilient. It reflects a long-term vision to integrate these frameworks into the existing governance and welfare structures.
During the meeting, Unicef’s social policy consultant Ajay Kumar Singh highlighted strategic priority areas such as child development, socio-economic analysis, public finance for children, and strengthening broader social protection mechanisms within the state. Social policy specialist from Unicef, Chhattisgarh Bal Paritosh Dash presented a comprehensive roadmap that includes collaboration with academic and research institutions such as NIT Rourkela, along with various government departments. These partnerships are expected to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and program implementation in key areas, including disability financing and child poverty.
