Odisha opens its first Panchayat-level ‘Prerana Kendra’ in Subarnapur to strengthen child protection, prevent child marriage, and empower local communities
OdishaPlus Bureau
Subarnapur, July 2: With an aim to strengthen child protection systems and address gender-based violence at the grassroots level, Subarnapur District Administration in Odisha launched ‘Prerana Kendra’, a Gram Panchayat-level convergence platform.
As per reports, the initiative is the first of its kind in Odisha to institutionalize a dedicated convergence mechanism at the Gram Panchayat level for coordinated action on child protection, prevention of child marriage, gender-based violence, adolescent empowerment, and access to social protection services.
The initiative has been introduced in response to the observation that while multiple community-level institutions and frontline functionaries are actively engaged in addressing social issues, their efforts often remain fragmented. ‘Prerana Kendra’ has been established to provide a common platform for planning, coordination, case management, referral, and follow-up.
The platform brings together Gender Community Resource Persons (Prerana Didis), Panchayat Executive Officers-cum-Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (PEO-cum-CMPOs), Child Development Project Officers-cum-Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CDPO-cum-CMPOs), Anganwadi Workers, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Child Marriage Information Officers, Health and Wellness Ambassadors, Lady Supervisors, School Management Committees, Child Protection Committees, adolescent groups, and other community stakeholders to collectively address issues affecting children, adolescents, and women.
Under the new framework, the Gender CRP (Prerana Didi) will serve as the Convener of the platform, while the PEO-cum-CMPO will function as the Co-Convener. Monthly meetings will be held at the Prerana Kendra or Gender Facilitation Centre to review cases, identify vulnerable children and families, facilitate service delivery, and prepare joint action plans.
The convergence platform is expected to strengthen community vigilance and support the early identification and prevention of child marriage, child labour, school dropout, violence against children, gender-based violence, trafficking, and other forms of vulnerability. It will also facilitate timely referral of cases and convergence of services provided through various government departments and schemes.
District officials said that effective child protection and the promotion of gender equality require collective action and seamless coordination among all stakeholders. They stated that the establishment of a structured convergence mechanism at the Gram Panchayat level is intended to create a more responsive and accountable system for ensuring the safety, well-being, and empowerment of children, adolescents, and women.