Mysuru: “Every child should be protected. For the welfare and safety of the children money is not the criteria. We have sufficient money and even corporates have come forward to support us through their CSR fund,” said Deputy Commissioner D Randeep.
Speaking after inaugurating a two-day workshop on Children’s Right and Laws organised for the NGO representatives by the Women and Child Welfare Department in association with District Administration and Zilla Panchayat at its premise in Vijayanagar here on Thursday, he said that amendments in the laws concerning the protection and safety of children following increased cases of child abuse and trafficking had made safety of children a top priority and advised the officials and representatives of various NGOs working in the field to have a complete understanding of the laws.
“To ensure that children are both mentally and physically safe and free from any sort of abuse, we should have a detailed knowledge about the laws and provisions, including Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Hence child welfare department and NGOs should work hand-in-hand to secure the country’s future”, added Randeep. He also mentioned that child trafficking was on rise in the district and had become a major issue. While the police department is doing its best to curb the menace, NGOs too contribute their bit to ensure safety of children”, he added.
During the two-day workshop, the participants from various NGOs from across the district will be briefed about child rights, trafficking, JJ Act, adoption, child care institutions and various other acts including POCSO Act and others related to child welfare. The field level workers of various NGOs are taking part in the workshop who in turn are expected to impart the same to people who they come across. In days to come, the department is also planning to create such awareness at schools and colleges.
Trafficking committee at each ward:
“Already Trafficking committees have been established at Gram Panchayat and Taluk level. Such committees will be established in all the 65 wards across the city. This will enable us to keep tab on all sorts of trafficking across the city. Those involved in trafficking will face imprisonment of upto 8 to 10 years”, added Radha, Deputy Director, Women and Child Welfare department.