During a meeting with the child line district committee and child advisory board on Monday, the District Magistrate Nainital Vinod Kumar Suman stated that strict action will be taken against those schools that will restrict enrolment of the children for vested interests. Dwelling on the matter of children being forced into begging, labour and rag-picking, he said that necessary steps must be taken to ensure that they are enrolled in schools.
He further gave direction that kids under the age of 18 years should get treatment under the National Child Health Programme. He further said that under the category of BPl, kids below 18 years will be treated under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).
Expressing concern over the spike in the incidents of molestation of the children, DM said that the cases under POCSO Act should be expedited. He said that the cases of molestation coming up thick and fast, FIRs should be lodged on the spot and the officers concerned must ensure that no settlement is allowed in connection with such cases.
DM asked the officers concerned to draw his attention to any problem they might face in implementing the safety guidelines for the children. “I would see to it that things are resolved soon,” he said.
He further said that with 92 per cent of the population of India having Aadhaar Cards , it is now easy to spot the missing children.
DM asked the officers concerned to inspect child and women shelter houses. “It should be made mandatory for the officials to inspect two shelter homes each every month,” he said.
To make the people aware of the medical help available, child line and others, a committee comprising six persons has been set up on the direction of the DM. A booklet would be published which would contain all the information about several schemes and helplines.