India with 1.21 billion people constitutes as the second most populous country in the world where children represent 39% (472 million) of the total population of the country as the census 2011. More than one third of the Odisha’s population is below 18 years. Therefore, the future and strength of the state lies in a healthy, protected, educated and well developed child population. But today large number of children are being deprived of their childhood – happiness, joy, play, education, affection, independence, emotion and most important their rights. Although there are different constitutional provisions and statutory enactments making efforts to protect children against exploitation, providing welfare, education and assuring their
rights but has hardly impacted much specially in rural area. So looking at the gravity of the child rights issues, SWAD with the support of Caritas India started working in two Gram Panchayats (Domadua and Panigonda) of Gajapati District. 1703 nos of families, total population 8056 belong to tribal & dalit communities including OBC & General 2604 nos of children belong to the age of 0 to 18 years. 20 villages of 2 GPs of 1 Block, Gajapti District of Odisha.