Bhubaneswar: Following allegations of sexual abuse and concern over poor living conditions in residential facilities for children, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has ordered a state-wide verification of hostels and other residential facilities housing children. District collectors have been asked to check whether these establishments have valid licences, registration and other statutory approvals.OSCPCR chief Babita Patra on Thursday directed collectors and district magistrates to prepare a district-wise inventory of every establishment where children below 18 are residing. The exercise will cover govt and private hostels, educational and coaching hostels, boarding facilities and residential institutions run by individuals, trusts, societies, NGOs and religious and charitable organisations.District administrations have been asked to verify the licence, registration, recognition or permission held by each establishment under applicable laws. There will be particular scrutiny of institutions covered under the Child Care Institution (CCI) provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Officials have been asked to check whether such institutions are registered under the Act and complying with the prescribed standards.The directive assumes significance in the wake of a recent case in Kendrapada, where police arrested a watchman and detained a minor boy in connection with the alleged rape of a girl from Jharkhand at a CCI. The boy was also residing at the same facility, while the watchman was employed there.There are currently 220 registered CCIs under women and child development department providing education, shelter and protection to more than 8,000 children, according to official reports.The commission has also asked collectors to verify any complaints or reports of abuse, neglect, corporal punishment, illegal confinement, sexual abuse, trafficking, child labour, child marriage and other violations of child rights.Patra said establishments found operating without the required approvals would face action under the law, including closure or sealing and criminal proceedings wherever applicable.But the commission has also made it clear that shutting down an unauthorised facility cannot come at the cost of the children staying there. “We want to check if all such institutions are operating properly as per the laid-down guidelines and if the children, wherever possible, are being restored to their parents or guardians or are placed before the competent authority,” she said.