Under the chairmanship of women and child developers, a special awareness campaign will be launched for children in all schools of the district. In a meeting organized by District Program Officer Mrs. Mamta Paul, discussions were held with the District Welfare Committee President and Child Line Shimla regarding child labor, child sexual abuse, corporal punishment, Child Help Line 1098, and abuse.
Prevalence of Child Abuse and Corporal Punishment:
Data received from Child Line Shimla and Child Help Line 1098 highlights the occurrence of child labor, child sexual abuse, corporal punishment, and abuse. These acts directly violate children’s rights and dignity. Corporal punishment, in particular, is a widespread form of violence against children.
Legal Provisions and Punishments:
Under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009, Section 17(1), physical and mental abuse is prohibited and considered a punishable offense under Section 17(2). Additionally, Section 23 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act stipulates that individuals who subject a child to unnecessary mental or physical torture or neglect may face imprisonment and fines. Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act also outlines punishments for cruelty to children. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) mandates the establishment of a Corporal Punishment Monitoring Cell in every school to investigate complaints related to corporal punishment.
Mandatory Corporal Punishment Monitoring Cell:
To ensure the safety of children, it is mandatory to set up a Corporal Punishment Monitoring Cell in every school. These cells serve as a mechanism for addressing and investigating complaints regarding corporal punishment.
Launching a Special Awareness Campaign:
Despite existing legal provisions, the occurrence of child abuse and corporal punishment remains a matter of concern. To tackle this issue, a special awareness campaign will be initiated in collaboration with the education department. The campaign aims to empower children, enhance their self-respect, and create a secure and stress-free environment for them.
Importance of Child Help Line 1098:
Lalita, the coordinator of Child Help Line Shimla, emphasized the significance of displaying the Child Help Line 1098 at prominent locations in schools and child homes. This helpline serves as a crucial resource for reporting and addressing cases of child abuse and seeking assistance.
By implementing these initiatives and raising awareness, it is hoped that the district can combat child abuse, protect children’s rights, and create a safer and nurturing environment for all children.
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Great initiatives👍👏