The Centre for Child Rights (CCR) at National Law University Odisha (NLUO) is turning 10 on 12^th April, 2025. To mark the occasion it will re-launch its flagship journal, the Journal on the Rights of the Child of National Law University Odisha.

The occasion will be graced by Hon’ble Justice Savitri Ratho, Judge of Orissa High Court and also the Chair of the Juvenile Justice Committee of the Orissa High Court. She will deliver the Presidential Address. The welcome address will be delivered by Prof Ved Kumari, Vice Chancellor, National Law University Odisha, also the Patron-in-Chief of CCR.

The CCR is the second oldest Centre for Child Rights in any National Law University in India. It is also the only Centre with a Chair Professor on Child Rights in any university (Law or non-Law included). Thanks to the efforts of the Professor Ved Kumari, one of the foremost scholars on Juvenile Justice, the Chair Professorship was set with a generous grant from the Government of Odisha in 2023 but became fully functional in 2024.

Founded in 2015, the CCR was inaugurated by the then Visitor from Hon’ble Supreme Court, the former Chief Justice of India, Hon’ble Justice Dipak Misra. Hon’ble Justice Pradip K Mohanty, then acting Chief Justice of Orissa High Court, various judges of Orissa High Court and officers of the Women and Child Development Department of Government of Odisha also graced the occassion. The incumbent Vice Chancellor during the founding of CCR was Prof Srikrishna Deva Rao, the current Vice Chancellor of NALSAR Hyderabad.

Originally CCR was founded to strengthen the human resources of Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB) and Child Welfare Committees (CWC) and push the discourse on juvenile justice. CCR has since evolved into a national and global thought leader on child rights, justice and wellbeing.  CCR’s remit has expanded to all aspects of childhood and child rights, from thought leadership, curating and teaching courses on all aspects of child rights and determinant sector, convening colloquiums, foregrounding child rights in everyday discourse, advising the state and its instruments for better practices and reforms and building a child rights’ centric temper in the society. CCR also leads the building of child-friendly communities in the NLUO’s flagship intervention in neighboring settlements of Brajabeharipur, Valmiki Nagar and Baba Tilkanagar. The child friendly communities are a commitment of the government of India to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mandate and as per NITI Ayog indicators. It is to protect and promote the children and their voice, participation and agency in their native communities.

The Centre also curates and teaches courses on Child Rights and determinant sectors. These courses are curated with a special focus on bridging the gap between the lexis and praxis, experiential learning, live projects and contributes to the capacity-building at multiple levels. With projects spanning from Odisha to collaborations with other NLUs and international agencies, CCR continues to serve as a bridge between classrooms, courtrooms and communities. Child Rights course offered to 4^th year BA-LLB and BBA-LLB students and the Food and Nutrition Justice course offered to 5^th year BA-LLB and BBA-LLB students have been two of the most opted electives of the 2024-25 academic year.

CCR also works on making economic, social and cultural rights like education, health, nutrition etc, that enhances the life chances of every child, justiciable for every child.

The 10^th anniversary special edition, Volume 6 of the Journal on the Rights of the Child of National Law University Odisha, will be launched in the event. The journal presents original works spanning research papers, case commentaries, opinion pieces and infographic fact-sheet. The themes explored in this edition include evolution of jurisprudence on juvenile’s right to bail, childhood obesity in a fast changing world, status check on the Right to Education, equity as imagined in the school meal programme of PM POSHAN, re-analysis of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data on status of children in conflict with law in Odisha, child marriage, adoption, Romeo – Juliet laws in India, juvenile delinquency in India, refugee children’s rights, digital childhood, children’s contractual rights in influencer economy with special focus on sports and entertainment industry, best interests of children in custody disputes.

The Journal’s advisory board has some of the most eminent global names in Law and Justice i.e. Justice Madan Lokur, Justice Gita Mittal, Prof Bernd-Deiter Meier, Prof Christopher Birbeck and Prof Bhavani P Panda.

Other dignitaries who will attend the 10^th anniversary celebration are Subhendu Bhattacharjee from leading child rights’ non-profit CRY, Sourav Bhattacharjee from UNICEF and many champions of child rights in the law, civil society and media sector.

As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations, CCR reaffirms its vision to build a “child rights temper” and to advocate for justice “anywhere and everywhere,” irrespective of contexts. Its mission remains rooted in leveraging knowledge for legal, policy and practice reform and making access to justice a reality for every child.

CCR at NLUO is led by the Chief Minister’s Chair Professor-cum-Director, Prof Biraj Swain supported by a team of senior researchers Dr Swagatika Samal, Dr Pradipta K Sarangi and office administrator Mr Amulya Swain. The CCR also has a UNICEF consultant Ankit K Keshri. The CCR has two co-directors Dr Shubhanginee Singh and Dr Rashmi Rekha Baug.

The CCR also has one of the most vibrant student body which has come through an open competitive process headlined by Dhruv Dhingra (Convenor), Aradhana Nayak (Co-Convenor). Other members of the CCR student body are: Anuj Kulhar (Advisor), Avismrita Shyamali Mishra (Mentor), Madhulika Tripathy (Mentor), Suraj Mishra (Secretary), Jyotirmaya Choudhary (Joint Secretary), Priyanka P Das and Kashish Rathore (Social Media team), Abhinandan, Poorna Mishra, Amit K Samal, Ishika Bhattacharyya (Research and Documentation), Kriti Jain, Shahnaz Najm Chowdhury (Events and Logistics) and Akshat Prakash, Sriti Basu, Sushant Mishra, Reyansh Thakur and Bharat B Tayal (members). The students bring out a bi-monthly newsletter which provides a global scan of the key development on child rights, they run the LinkedIn and the Instagram pages. As this report is being written the students are running an explainer series on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

More can be found about CCR here: https://nluo.ac.in/centre/centre-for-child-rights-ccr/

The social media handles of CCR are:

• Instagram: Centre for Child Rights, NLUO (@centreforchildrightsnluo) • Instagram photos and videos
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centre-for-child-rights-nluo/

For more you can contact:

• Prof Biraj Swain: +91 9868524754 / swain@nluo.ac.in
• Dr Swagatika Samal: +91 8249012917 / swagatika@nluo.ac.in

• Press Note

• Press Statement 

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2^ND GAJE-NLUO MEDIATION AND NEGOTIATION CONCLAVE 2025

The NLUO Centre for Mediation and Negotiation and NLUO ADR Board are delighted to announce the 2^nd GAJE-NLUO Mediation and Negotiation Conclave 2025, scheduled to be held from the 29^th of January to the 2^nd of February, 2025. The 1^st edition of the GAJE-NLUO Mediation and Negotiation Conclave 2024 was graced by highly regarded figures in the realm of alternative dispute resolution including Ms. Pauline McKay and Prof. (Dr.) Sunanda Bharti. The 1^st edition of the GAJE-NLUO Negotiation Competition 2024, as part of the Conclave, saw the participation of 28 teams from various acclaimed law universities in India and was graced by highly regarded figures in the realm of Alternative Dispute Resolution including Ms. Iram Majid and Dr. Akanksha Marwah.

The 2^nd edition of the GAJE-NLUO Mediation and National Negotiation Conclave promises to be even bigger than before with seminars hosted by eminent luminaries, a Paper Presentation as well as the 2^nd GAJE-NLUO Negotiation Competition. Further, social events have also been planned to provide participants an excellent opportunity for forging connections from peers and industry professionals.

The schedule for the Conclave is given below:

• 29^thof January: Seminars by Prof. Ved Kumari and Prof. (Dr.) Sunanda Bharti
• 30^thof January: Seminars by Sr. Prof. (Dr.) V. K. Ahuja, Prof. (Mrs.) Alok Sharma and Dr. Eluckiaa A.
• 31^stof January: Seminars by Daniel Brantes Ferreira, Charlie Irvine and Pauline McKay;

International Paper Presentation Conference on Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

• 1^stof February: Preliminary Rounds of 2^nd GAJE-NLUO Negotiation Competition 2025 & Social Night
• 2^ndof February: Advanced Rounds and Valedictory Ceremony

Participants may attend the expert seminars free of cost. Further details of the Conclave and the 2^nd GAJE-NLUO Negotiation Competition can be found in the attached Brochure and Flyer.

Call for Papers

The Organising Committee invites academicians, policymakers, researchers, and students from both Indian and international institutions to participate in the Paper Presentation. Participants may register through this link for the Paper Presentation.

The registration fees for the Paper Presentation under the Conclave are:

• ₹500/- (5.89 US$) for single-authored papers
• ₹800/- (9.42 US$) for co-authored papers

2^nd GAJE-NLUO Negotiation Competition

Students pursuing their bachelor’s degree in law are eligible to participate in the 2^nd GAJE-NLUO Negotiation Competition. Teams may apply for provisional registration for the Competition through this link. A team shall consist of two negotiators (1 client and 1 counsel) and each team shall participate in two preliminary rounds of forty minutes. Qualifying teams would proceed further into the Quarter Final, Semi Final and Final Rounds where exciting prizes await them.

The registration fee is ₹11,000/-, inclusive of accommodation for both days (from 31st of January to 2nd of February noon). The format of the competition is tentatively offline. In case of changes in the mode of the competition, the teams shall be informed before 8th of January, 2025. The teams are requested not to make any travel plans or travel expenditure until the mode is confirmed. In case of changes, the registration fee for the Negotiation Competition shall be reimbursed proportionally.

Online Single Credit Course on “Water Laws and Policy in India”

The Jal Shakti Board of National Law University Odisha (NLUO), in collaboration with the Water Policy Centre, Aurangabad, is proud to announce its Online Single Credit Course on “Water Laws and Policy in India”. This unique initiative aims to provide students and professionals with an in-depth understanding of water governance, legal frameworks, and policy challenges at both domestic and international levels. The course is scheduled to take place over four days: 11th, 12th, 18th, and 19th January 2025, with sessions conducted online to ensure accessibility and convenience.

About the Organizers
The Jal Shakti Board, NLUO, was established under the Ministry of Human Resource Development’s Jal Shakti Campus Action Plan. Since its inception in June 2021, the Board has been actively promoting water conservation and sustainable management practices. Collaborating with the Water Policy Centre, Aurangabad, a reputed institution known for its expertise in water governance and policy, this course is set to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical solutions for water-related challenges.

Course Objectives
This comprehensive 16-hour course delves into critical aspects of water governance, including:

• Legal frameworks governing water in India, with an emphasis on constitutional provisions and legislative competence.
• Interstate water disputes and their resolution mechanisms, highlighted by case studies like the Cauvery River dispute.
• Groundwater governance and the regulatory challenges associated with its over-extraction.
• Principles of international water law and India’s transboundary water diplomacy.

The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to analyze water rights, resolve conflicts, and develop sustainable water management policies.

Course Highlights
The curriculum is divided into four modules:

• Legal Framework Governing Water in India
• Water Rights and Allocation
• Interstate Water Conflicts in India
• International Water Law and Diplomacy

Each module is delivered by distinguished faculty and experts, including Adv. Tejal Vakil, Dr. Ashok Wadje, Raosaheb Bawaskar, and Dr. Suvrashree Panda. The interactive sessions will provide participants with valuable insights into theoretical and practical dimensions of water governance.

Key Details

• Duration: 16 hours
• Dates: 11th, 12th, 18th, and 19th January 2025
• Timings: Morning Session (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) & Afternoon Session (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
• Mode: Online
• Fees:
  • NLUO & MNLUA Students: ₹600/-
  • Others: ₹1000/-
• Certification: Participants will receive a certificate upon completing a minimum of 12 hours of attendance and scoring at least 50% in the evaluation exam.
• Last Date to Register: 8th January 2025

Registration Process

• Pay the fees via SBI Collect: Click here.
• Complete the registration form: Click here.

The Online Single Credit Course on “Water Laws and Policy in India” offers a unique opportunity for students, academicians, and professionals to deepen their understanding of water governance and contribute to sustainable water management practices. With expert faculty and a well-structured curriculum, the course promises to be an enriching experience for all participants. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and make a difference in the field of water law and policy.

For detailed information, please find the Brochure Attached.

The National Law University Odisha (NLUO) successfully conducted a comprehensive Ten-Day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) from November 25 to December 6, 2024. Designed to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of faculty members and Ph.D. scholars, the FDP focused on three core themes: Quantitative Research Tools, Stress Management, and Qualitative Research Tools, blending theoretical insights with hands-on practice.

Quantitative Research Tools

The initial sessions, led by eminent resource persons including Prof. Rabi N. Subudhi from KIIT School of Management and Dr. Dukhabandhu Sahu from IIT Bhubaneswar, emphasized the importance of data-driven research. Prof. Subudhi introduced participants to the fundamentals of data analysis, elucidating concepts such as descriptive and inferential statistics, probability distributions, and hypothesis testing. His sessions were instrumental in building a strong foundation for advanced topics.

Dr. Sahu expanded on these principles by exploring advanced statistical concepts like r-squared (r²), chi-square tests, and regression analysis, helping participants interpret and apply these techniques effectively. Practical sessions using SPSS software enabled attendees to analyze datasets, enhancing their understanding of statistical measures such as central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Additionally, experts from the Odisha Computer Academy conducted workshops on Microsoft Excel, equipping participants with essential data management and visualization skills.

Stress Management

Acknowledging the high-stress nature of academic professions, the FDP included dedicated sessions on stress management. Mr. Shyam Agarwal and Ms. Aashna Gupta from the Art of Living Foundation led these sessions, teaching participants breathing techniques like Sudarshan Kriya Yog, mindfulness practices, and relaxation methods. These activities aimed to improve mental resilience and productivity, ensuring a balance between professional commitments and personal well-being.

Qualitative Research Tools

The concluding days of the FDP focused on qualitative research methodologies. Prof. Tejinder Pal Singh from Panjab University facilitated sessions on theoretical frameworks, highlighting approaches to conducting in-depth qualitative analysis. The programme culminated with a practical session on Atlas.ti, a powerful software for managing and analyzing qualitative data. Participants learned to navigate the software for organizing textual and multimedia data, a skill that will significantly enhance their interdisciplinary research capabilities.

A Holistic Experience

The FDP offered a well-rounded experience, seamlessly integrating academic skill development with personal growth initiatives. The interactive and collaborative environment fostered knowledge sharing and skill enhancement, leaving participants equipped to excel in research and teaching.