State Govt concerned about protection, security of children: WCD Minister

Surjit Kumar Dhal, Bhubaneswar, Aug 10: WCD & MS Minister Tukuni Sahu on Friday said that the State Government is concerned about safety and security of children and advised District Child Protection Officers to remain alert to avoid any negligence in this regard.The Minister’s advice came during a review of District Child Protection Units here.“Children are the future of the nation. Not only the parent’s but also it is the duty of every one of us to build a conducive environment for the children,” she said.

The Minister said a small lapse in the care affects the physical and psychological development of a child.The State government has implemented child protection policy with all necessary service delivery structures and man power for the protection of the vulnerable children, she said while asking the officials to take the responsibility to provide facilities and space for all round development of every child at the field level.She also stressed regular inspection of the child care institutions.

Principal Secretary Anu Garg said the safety and security of the inmates of Child Care Institutions should be the priority.Garg directed the district level officials to give importance for protecting children from sexual abuse, preventing them from child marriage and emphasised on their motivational and moral development.She also spoke on identifying children at risk and linking them with various benefits and social security schemes and emphasized use of modern technology for sensitizing the public on protection of child rights.Department Director Aravind Agrawal reviewed the activities of the District Child Protection Units and status of child care institutions.He also stressed regular inspection of the institutions, installation of CCTV and fire extinguishers.Joint Secretary R Geetarani Pattanaik spoke about the objectives of the meeting and the scheme.he officials of the DCPOs of 30 districts and officials of OSCPS attended the meeting.