Chairperson of State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Usha Negi pulled up departmental officials for not having all the relevant data regarding the current status of child rights and protection in the state. Strict action will also be taken against officials concerned if they have not executed the assigned tasks or ignored major cases, she stressed while chairing a meeting with officials of various departments concerned here on Thursday.
At the start of the meeting, Negi sought information from officials on various aspects but did not get satisfactory replies. She pulled up the officials and direct them to collect the relevant data and present it in the next meeting.
She directed primary education, secondary education and child development officials to attend the meeting slated to be held next month with all relevant information. She also said that the violation of rights of poor children in the state will not be tolerated. She directed the district education officer (Basic) Hemlata Bhatt to submit reports pertaining to the Right To Education and Mid Day Meal within three days to the commission. Along with this she also asked labour Department, Health Department and other departments concerned to submit their reports to the commission and the Centre with facts. Focusing on the work done she asked the officers to ensure a physical verification of the provisions made for the beneficiaries of different schemes. The officials were also directed to check and work on different aspects like malnutrition, developing strategies for differently abled children, providing quality education to poor children, substance abuse and cases of child harassment among others.
Suggesting some immediate measures, she also told officials to submit a proper proposal for the budgets under different schemes. She also suggested that apart from children coming to Anganwadi centres, the focus should be on the children who are not part of it.
Expressing his views, nominated MlA GIG Mann said,“Though we got to know that there are various departments working for the welfare of children in the state and even after working continuously, loopholes can be seen that need to be fixed.
Also, a separate unit should be made to counsel children who are living with non governmental organisations or orphanages."
later, talking to the media Negi said, "This was my first meeting after assuming charge of the commission chairperson. We have planned to organise a meeting like this every month. The main focus is to bring officials of all departments concerned to one place so that we can deliberate on the developments and problems being faced. We will work to uplift the condition of children especially the vulnerable section so that they get benefited from the schemes. We will also focus on consistent efforts to create a healthy atmosphere for the vulnerable children and providing quality education to them," she added.