Bhubaneswar, Nov 29: The Odisha government has initiated the process to set up 15 exclusive POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) courts across the state, aiming to strengthen the judicial system in handling sensitive cases related to crimes against children.

These courts will be established in Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Berhampur, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Bhubaneswar, Baripada, Phulbani, Puri, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Malkangiri, and Sonepur.

The announcement was made in response to a question raised by legislator Chakramani Kanhar (MLA, BJD, Baliguda), with Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan confirming the government’s commitment to ensuring speedy justice in POCSO-related cases. The move is expected to provide dedicated infrastructure and judicial focus, thereby reducing delays and improving conviction rates in such sensitive matters.

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In another significant decision, the state government has declared that each panchayat will now have a designated peon post. This marks the creation of a new cadre of Panchayat Peons, with a fixed salary of ₹13,160 per month.

Earlier, panchayats used to appoint peons at their own level and pay them from local funds. The new system will standardize recruitment and salaries, ensuring uniformity and stability for these grassroots-level employees.

Officials believe that the creation of peon posts will not only streamline administrative work at the panchayat level but also provide employment opportunities across rural Odisha. With over 6,000 panchayats in the state, this decision is expected to benefit thousands of families directly.

While the POCSO courts will enhance child protection measures, the Panchayat Peon posts will reinforce administrative efficiency at the village level.