BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government launched two major initiatives on Tuesday : a new education scheme for young children and a 100-day campaign against child marriage. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also heads the Women and Child Development (WCD) department, inaugurated both programs. Parida emphasized that women’s empowerment is essential for a developed Odisha, stating the state’s priority is a safe, equal, and respectful environment for all women and children.
Language Education for Young Children
The ‘ Ame Padhiba Ama Bhasare ‘ (We will study in our own language) scheme will provide early education in mother tongues for children aged three to six years. This program will be implemented for five years , aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The pilot phase targets six districts: Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri.
Education within these districts will be delivered in various tribal languages, including Munda, Kui, Saura, Kuvi, Gondi, and Koya. Anganwadi workers will receive specific language training and educational materials to support the scheme. Deputy CM Parida urged efforts to popularize ‘Ame Padhiba Ama Bhasare’ similar to the ‘Subhadra Yojana’ financial assistance program.
Campaign Against Child Marriage
Deputy CM Parida also launched a 100-day campaign specifically targeting child marriage. This initiative aims to increase awareness, provide education, and enhance protection through broad community involvement. Key participants include youth leaders, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and various institutional platforms.
The campaign’s pilot implementation is set for Mayurbhanj and Malkangiri districts. District collectors are responsible for monitoring its progress and effectiveness. This effort forms part of Odisha’s broader strategy to safeguard children.
Child Marriage Statistics and Goals
Odisha registered 8,159 child marriages between 2019 and February 2025 , according to state officials. The state has set a goal to become completely child marriage-free by 2030 . Significant progress has been made, with approximately 11,000 villages already having abandoned the practice.
Ganjam district was recognized as child marriage-free in 2022 . Tribal-majority Nabarangpur district reported the highest number of child marriage cases during the specified period.
| District | Child Marriage Cases (2019-Feb 2025) |
|---|---|
| Nabarangpur | 1,347 |
| Ganjam | 966 |
| Koraput | 636 |
| Mayurbhanj | 594 |
Adolescent Mother Support Program
A pilot program addressing adolescent mother support and the prevention of adolescent pregnancy commenced in Mayurbhanj district. This program is a collaborative effort with UNICEF, focusing on integrated support. It encompasses health, nutrition, education, social protection, re-education, and skill development for adolescent mothers.
This initiative is designed to serve as a comprehensive model for future statewide implementation. It aims to provide critical resources to vulnerable young mothers.
Infrastructure Development
Deputy Chief Minister Parida also utilized the occasion to inaugurate several new facilities aimed at strengthening training and capacity building within the WCD sector. This included the new administrative building and allied facilities for the State Institute of Women and Children located at Barpali.
Additionally, new residential quarters for Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) field officers were inaugurated. These facilities are located in Boudh and Kandhamal districts, providing essential accommodation for frontline workers.