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New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Justice is not a privilege but right of every child: Odisha HC judge
BHUBANESWAR: Justice is not a privilege but a right of every child, said Justice Savitri Ratho. Addressing a panel discussion on 'Advancing Child-Centred Justice' hosted by the National Law University Odisha (NLUO) and Child Rights and You (CRY) as part of the 5th World Congress on Justice with Children here recently, the Orissa High Court judge underscored the need for trauma-informed processes and regular monitoring under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015, especially for marginalised children. 'Justice is not a privilege to be earned; it is a promise to be kept for every child,' she affirmed. Speaking on the occasion, chairperson of the United Nations' Internal Justice Council and former judge of the Supreme Court of India Justice Madan Lokur emphasised the need for meaningful access to justice for children - as victims, as accused, and as those in need of care and protection, in all their avatars. He highlighted the underreporting of violence against children, alarming backlog in inquiries, and revictimization faced by survivors during the trial due to systemic delays and inadequate support systems. While principal secretary of the Women and Child Development department Shubha Sarma shared the state's commitment through schemes like Subhadra and Ashirbaad, NLUO vice-chancellor Ved Kumari advocated for a broad, child-centred definition of justice. The World Congress on Justice with Children is a global platform that convenes every five years to further the policy, practice and discourse on child-centred justice.
New Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Menstrual hygiene still a distant dream for many schoolgirls in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
VIJAYAWADA: On Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, the stark reality of adolescent girls in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana highlights that the lack of access to sanitary pads, clean toilets, and menstrual education continues to affect their health and education. Nithya(name changed), a teenager from Nelaturu village in Andhra Pradesh, was caught off guard by her first period. Her parents, both agricultural labourers, could offer little guidance. Siri (name changed), from Machara village, echoed similar struggles, feeling confused and isolated during menstruation due to prevailing taboos and a lack of information. These are not isolated stories. A recent study by Child Rights and You (CRY)- South, a Banglore based NGO conducted across 109 schools and hostels in six districts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, revealed deep-rooted gaps in menstrual hygiene management. Of the 370 toilets designated for girls, only 108 were in usable condition. Most lacked water, soap, or proper waste disposal, forcing girls to avoid them entirely. Only 43 institutions stocked sanitary napkins, the rest had no provisions, leaving girls with little choice but to use unhygienic alternatives or skip school altogether. 'Girls are missing up to four school days a month due to the lack of menstrual support,' said John Roberts, Regional Director, CRY – South. 'This cumulative absenteeism affects academic performance and increases dropout risks, especially among girls from marginalised communities.'
