
Only trained personnel to conduct Pocso awareness sessions in schools
K Naganna Gowda, chairperson of KSCPCR, said directions were sent to deputy directors of public instructions (DDPI) after it was found that some trainers previously used Pocso cases as examples, revealing names and other details of victims. He said such awareness sessions could instil fear among children.
To prevent this, KSCPCR has instructed DDPIs to ensure only individuals who have been trained by the special juvenile police unit (SJPU) or are legal experts associated with NGOs working on child rights protection to conduct these sessions.
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"DDPIs should verify details of the resource persons beforehand. Officials should also ensure classes are not disturbed because of multiple awareness sessions," said Gowda.
Child rights activists have welcomed the move and reiterated the importance of proper training for individuals conducting these sessions. They say certified and informed trainers are better equipped to handle sensitive topics without causing confusion or fear among students.
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Nagasimha G Rao, director, Child Rights Trust, also emphasised the importance of using appropriate language during sessions. "Using terms like 'good touch' and 'bad touch' is inappropriate," he said, advocating instead for terms like safe touch and unsafe touch.
Rao further stressed the need for resource persons to have a comprehensive understanding of both international and Indian laws, including the Pocso Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
He said individuals associated with NGOs working in the child protection space often have the necessary experience to conduct effective sessions.
"We learnt that some trainers create confusion among the children as trainers themselves lack knowledge about the Pocso Act. So, we have begun training resource persons and requested KSCPCR to issue certificates to those who have been trained," Rao said.
He said NGOs have already conducted awareness programmes in over 100 schools and plan to expand the initiative to cover all govt schools in the state. Rao said these programmes also play a crucial role in preventing child pregnancies by educating children about their rights and protection mechanisms.
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