Fourth-grader's ordeal spurs Statewide action for child protection
Speaking to media persons after visiting a nine-year-old girl who was physically abused by her father and stepmother at Charumoodu in Alappuzha on Saturday, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty said that the Suraksha Mithram project would help identify the problems faced by children and provide them with the necessary protection.
'The distressing experience recently faced by a fourth-grade girl has shocked the conscience of us all. When I met her, I felt deep pain in my heart. Despite the incident, she spoke to me with a smile on her face. Violence against children will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The government is handling this matter with utmost seriousness and will ensure that the child receives all necessary protection and assistance,' the Minister said.
'Help box' at schools
As part of the Suraksha Mithram project, a 'help box' will be installed in all schools for children to confidentially record their complaints and distressing experiences. 'This will be under the responsibility of the headmaster or headmistress. The box should be opened at least once a week, and the information received should be assessed and reported to the Education department for further action,' Mr. Sivankutty said.
The Minister said that teachers would be given special training to observe changes in children's behaviour or learning, and identify whether there were any problems. 'Emphasis will be placed on monitoring children and interacting with them in a friendly manner. Through initiatives such as diary writing and zero hour, children will be given opportunities to openly share their thoughts with teachers,' he said.
Mr. Sivankutty said the project would be implemented in collaboration with departments such as Women and Child Development, Social Justice, Local Self Government, Health, and Police. Assistance from these departments will be sought to ensure that children receive the necessary medical care, counselling, and rehabilitation. The functioning of existing systems like the Child Welfare Committee and the helpline 1098 will also be made more effective, the Minister added.
Enhancing parenting clinics
The Minister said that existing parenting clinics would be made more active to provide counselling to parents facing problems. 'Government homes and special homes are functioning for children in need of protection, and these facilities will be utilised to the fullest extent,' Mr. Sivankutty said, adding that the Director of Public Education would soon issue a standard operating procedure for the safety and protection of children.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
16 hours ago
- New Indian Express
CM Sukhu launches Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme, forms Nasha Mukti Board, and announces Rs 3,000 crore disaster relief plan
CHANDIGARH: On the 79th Independence Day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a series of major initiatives, including the launch of the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme, the formation of the Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board, and a ₹3,000 crore disaster mitigation and livelihood project. Addressing the state-level function at Sarkaghat in Mandi district after unfurling the national flag, the Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the growing problem of chitta (heroin) addiction among youth. 'Our government is committed to protecting the younger generation from the scourge of drugs,' he said. He noted that under the PIT NDPS Act, property worth over ₹42 crore had been seized from drug mafias, and chitta testing has been made mandatory in police recruitment. Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme Sukhu announced the launch of the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme, under which trained volunteers will act as a link between the public and police. These youth volunteers will aid in spreading awareness, gathering intelligence, and providing timely, confidential information to the authorities. 'Incentives will be provided for these volunteers,' he said, adding that the scheme aims to create a grassroots-level response to drug trafficking. Nasha Mukti Board for Prevention and Rehabilitation The Chief Minister also announced the formation of the Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board. This board will include representatives from departments such as Home, Health, Education, Social Justice, Youth Services, Panchayati Raj, and Prisons, along with NGOs and social scientists. The board's goal is twofold: to prevent substance abuse and to rehabilitate and reintegrate addicted youth into society. An action plan for de-addiction and rehabilitation will be jointly prepared by NITI Aayog, AIIMS, PGI, and the State Health Department. To strengthen the fight at the local level, anti-drug committees will be established in villages and panchayats. These will include the panchayat secretary, ASHA worker, Anganwadi worker, and a designated police constable. The committees will receive and share information, and police officers will be held accountable for regular meetings and monthly reporting.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Kochi school receives notice from education department for punishment on latecomers
Kochi: A fresh controversy erupted after a Class V student at Cochin Public School, Thrikkakara, was allegedly forced to run multiple rounds on the school ground and was confined to a dark room for arriving late. Following complaints from parents and student organizations, general education minister V Sivankutty stated that the school had no right to take such action and sought a report from deputy directorate of education (DDE), Ernakulam, on the incident. The child's parent Rasheed Pareed told TOI that his son received the punishment for being late to school by two minutes on Thursday morning. The parent alleged he was asked to run a few times on the ground and was also asked to sit in a dark room until the parent arrived. "When I complained to school officials, they said it is the norm at the school and asked us to transfer the child from the school to another school if needed," said Pareed. The parent said such punishments routinely happen at the school and the incident affected the child's morale to continue going to the school. "He says he is not interested anymore in going to the school," said Pareed. A police complaint was also filed by the child's family at Thrikkakara police station against the school authority. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo In a Facebook post, Sivankutty emphasized that no form of discrimination against children would be tolerated in any school under any circumstances. "No teacher or management has the right to treat a child in such a manner. If a child arrives late, they can be advised not to repeat it, but locking them in a dark room in a way that affects their mental state is unacceptable," he said. Announcing an investigation, Sivankutty added that govt was taking strong measures in such matters, which led to a decline in such incidents. He suggested that lack of proper teacher training might be a contributing factor and said govt would consider training teachers in all streams. Soon after the minister's response, DDE officials inspected the school and issued notices warning that NOC would be revoked if such practices are repeated at the school. The officials said they will also send a detailed report of investigation to director general of education on Thursday. Repeated attempts by TOI to contact the school went unanswered. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Women and Child Development department has initialised dowry prohibition portal, HC told
The State government informed the Kerala High Court that the Women and Child Development (WCD) department has initialised a dowry prohibition portal where aggrieved persons can directly file their complaints to the court. In addition, a standard operating procedure to handle cases relating to the Dowry Prohibition Act is being prepared, it said, in an affidavit filed with regard to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Ernakulam native Tellmy Jolly, challenging the Constitutional validity of Section 3 of the Act, on the ground that it also penalised the giving of dowry. The penalising of the dowry giver – often the victim or a family member – acts as a deterrent to reporting dowry-related harassment for fear of self incrimination. The affidavit further says that the government has appointed district-level dowry prohibition officers. The Director of Women and Child Development department will serve as the chief dowry prohibition officer to administer and coordinate dowry prohibition activities. The government is also taking earnest efforts to see that the evil of seeking and giving dowry is prohibited. The case has been adjourned to September 16, after the counsel for the Union government sought more time to file a counter affidavit.
