Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Dec 17: Children’s Gram Sabha must be conducted properly, and focus must be given to the protection of child rights in educational institutions, said Dr Tippeswamy, member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. He stressed that the Child Protection Policy is not being effectively implemented and insisted that it must be enforced mandatorily within six months.

The awareness program, aimed at school education department officials and teachers, was jointly organized by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Bengaluru, Directorate of Child Protection, Dakshina Kannada District Administration, Taluk Panchayat Bantwal, District Legal Services Authority, Women and Child Development Department, School Education and Literacy Department, Child Helpline, and District Child Protection Unit. The event was held at SGSY Auditorium, B C Road.

Inaugurating the program, Dr Tippeswamy stated that a series of awareness events are being conducted in November and December, with six such programs scheduled in Dakshina Kannada district. He highlighted the increase in child abuse cases post-COVID and emphasized the need for stakeholders to be aware of procedures when such incidents occur within schools to avoid legal consequences.

Pointing out that 29 cases of physical violence against children have been reported in Dakshina Kannada district, Dr Tippeswamy stressed that children’s issues would reduce if at least 40% of child-related grievances are addressed effectively. He warned that inspections of schools would be conducted after February and that no complaints regarding the neglect of child rights protection in any school should arise. He commended the coastal region for leading in child rights protection and reiterated that the Child Protection Policy must be implemented effectively within six months.

Bantwal tahsildar Archana Bhat, child welfare committee president Renni D’Souza, block education officer Manjunathan, and taluk panchayat EO Sachin Kumar were present. District child protection officer Kumar welcomed the gathering, while CDPO Mamthaj delivered the vote of thanks. District institutional child protection officer Kumar Shettigar compered the event.