To establish a commission that will help address child-related cases swiftly
To establish a commission that will help address child-related cases swiftly
The state is to get a new watchdog to protect children's rights.
Sources in the women and child development department said the government would soon announce the establishment of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) in a day or two.
P M Narendra Swamy, minister for women and child development, confirmed the news. "We have decided to bring in place the commission in the wake of media reports and public appeal on the exploitation of children. We are waiting for the chief minister's nod."
MiD DAY had carried a series of reports last month on child exploitation after a sting operation exposed child trafficking in the city.
The committee
Nina Nayak, a child rights activist, is tipped to be chairman of the commission. She was the president of the children's welfare committee before Vasudeva Sharma took over and is currently vice-president of the Indian Centre for Child Welfare.
However, Narendra Swamy declined comment on the issue. "I am not supposed to discuss this now. We have shortlisted some eminent personalities and you will know who the chairman is when we announce the establishment of the commission"
SCPCR, comprising a chairman and six members, will have statutory powers to take suo moto action and summon anybody including government authorities for hearing. It can recommend legal action after investigating the case.
With the commission in place, fast track child courts will be formed for the speedy disposal of child-related cases.
Finally
"It was long-pending but I am happy that the government has opened its eyes at least now, when media reports are screaming about child exploitation," said Vasudeva Sharma, chairman, Children's Welfare Committee.
Sharma said the commission should be pro-active in educating the government and society on child exploitation, apart from working for protecting children's rights.
Kittur Channamma Awards function
The department of women and child development will finally hold the Kittur Channamma Awards ceremony on July 8 at Chowdiah Memorial Hall.
The function is normally held on March 8, International Women's Day, to felicitate women achievers but officials goofed up this year they forgot all about it.
MiD DAY had reported how veteran film producer Parvathamma Rajkumar, one of the 21 awardees, had been handed an expired DD without being given an award certificate.
"We have informed all the awardees and hopefully this time, there will be no goof-ups," said a department official.u00a0
