Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 14 Oct: With Chairperson Dr Geeta Khanna presiding, the Uttarakhand Commission for Protection of Child Rights (UCPCR) organised a coordination and review meeting today at the ICDS Auditorium, Nanda Ki Chowki, with members of the Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), and the Child Helpline.
The main objective of the meeting was to strengthen the protection of child rights, prevent crimes against children, and establish better coordination among all related departments across the state.
The meeting was attended by Dr Shiv Kumar Barnwal, Secretary, UCPCR; Dr Satish Kumar Singh, Deputy Secretary; Anjana Gupta, Chief Probation Officer, Women & Child Development Department, Uttarakhand; Chairpersons/Members of CWCs from various districts, both in online and offline mode. The following key issues were discussed:
Review of Training Programmes
The status of training provided to newly appointed members of the Child Welfare Committees was reviewed. CPO Anjana Gupta stated that training programmes have been completed in all districts of the state.
Increase in POCSO Cases
Reports from various districts indicated a rise in incidents of children (aged 12–17 years) running away from home, mainly due to addiction to social media and online gaming. A significant increase in cases registered under the POCSO Act was also noted.
Status of Sponsorship Scheme
Concerns were raised that orphans were not receiving benefits under sponsorship schemes even after six months. The CPO clarified that benefits are being provided only after registration on the Mission Vatsalya portal, and funds will soon be transferred to all eligible children’s accounts.
Financial Assistance to POCSO Victims
The CPO reported that girl victims under POCSO are being provided financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per month up to the age of 18 years, upon submission of a copy of the FIR and medical report.
Swift Action on Child Marriage
In Chamoli district, a case of child marriage was promptly stopped by the Child Welfare Committee.
The Chairperson commended the committee’s swift action.
Detailed Report from Pauri District
The Pauri district CWC presented a comprehensive report with statistics on child labour, begging, child marriage, and child trafficking, highlighting the seriousness of these issues.
Concern Over Serious Case in Udham Singh Nagar
The Chairperson expressed deep displeasure over a case in Udham Singh Nagar where a child’s eye was injured, and the CWC failed to act promptly. All districts were instructed to ensure immediate action in such sensitive cases.
Monthly Meetings and Action Reports
It was decided that all district CWCs must conduct regular monthly meetings, prepare action reports, and submit them to the Commission.
Public Awareness on Child Safety
Secretary Dr Shiv Kumar Barnwal directed that awareness campaigns should be conducted at public places using banners, posters, and flex boards to spread awareness on child protection.
Key Directives Issued by Chairperson
Dr Geeta Khanna instructed all districts to: Submit Form 46 reports (Page 272, JJB Book) by the 10th of every month through the DPO to the Commission. Maintain all reports properly in box files and forward copies to the Commission. Ensure joint monthly meetings between the Women & Child Development Department and CWCs. Set up CWC awareness stalls at district fairs to publicise child welfare schemes. Ensure all DPOs provide 6 CUG numbers to CWCs for coordination. Link orphans and victimised children with skill development programmes and extend state welfare schemes to single mothers. Ensure timely disbursement of assistance to POCSO victims and continue counselling even after case closure. DPOs must hold quarterly review meetings with District Magistrates and Senior Superintendents of Police on child care institution cases, and forward action reports to the Commission.
Chairperson Dr. Geeta Khanna emphasised that this review meeting marks a significant step toward safeguarding child rights, promoting child welfare, and ensuring effective inter-departmental coordination.
She directed all committees to adopt a sensitive and child-centric approach and complete their responsibilities promptly so that the state of Uttarakhand can provide a safe and empowering environment for orphaned, victimised, and vulnerable children.
