Report and pics by Viju Mangalore for Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Feb 1: It’s a common sight even in the educated district of DK that children are found abandoned on streets, child labour exists, instances of juvenile delinquency cannot be ruled out and above all the district is far away from being a child friendly district. Towards this goal, a unique initiative has been taken jointly by the National Initiative for Child Protection, School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya, National Institute of Social Defence and Childline Foundation India to sensitize the police personnel of the district on child rights.

The one-day training programme took place at Roshni Nilaya and was inaugurated on Tuesday by DK SP B Dayananda. Speaking on the occasion the SP admitted the police department lacked a proper perception regarding children’s issue. If the future of a child is at stake then future of the nation too is at potential risk.

With the global changes effecting all professions, a new dimension to the police department is to be child friendly. This social responsibility is to be carried out well as the police personnel are available 24 hours and spend around 15 hours a day on wheels within the city where they come in contact with street children, juveniles, child labourers, abandoned children and destitutes.

Raising concern on the younger generation found involved in criminal and immoral activities, Dayananda expressed shock at the rate of crime involving youth. He further observed that these youth are found to be educated, hailing from economically sound families and in many cases from elite families.

School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya principal Jacinta D'Souza who presided over the programme emphasised on need for the entire society to be involved in the process of protection of children. "Together we can make a child friendly society," she added.

Resource person for workshop pediatrician Dr Shantharam Baliga and Roshni Nilaya Criminology department Prof Ashok were also present on the occasion.