Jammu, Dec 25 (KNS): Justice Hasnain Masoodi Former Judge of J&K High Court and Chairperson Selection cum Oversight Committee under Juvenile Justice Act J&K Govt. strongly advocated for strengthening child protection mechanism at Village level.
Speaking in a training program for Village Level Child Protection Committees of district Jammu organized by National Development Foundation in collaboration with Selection cum Oversight Committee and Directorate of ICPS J&K with the funding support from European Union.
Justice Masoodi complemented the efforts of NDF and European Union in taking lead in piloting village level Child Protection Committees in three districts of Jammu and Kashmir. He called upon the CPC members to work as child rights advocate in their respective villages so that child rights can become reality in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also asked the CPCs to keep a close eye on the Govt. schemes meant for the protection and welfare of the children and asked particularly the Sarpanch and Panch members of the Child Protection Committees to link children with such schemes. He also cautioned the CPCs about the exploitation of the children through the digital mediums and pitched for the use of internet by children under parent’s surveillance.
Neha Gandotra Chief Operating Officer NDF and Parvinder Singh Programme Manager NDF were the resource persons of the occasion while G.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelA. Sofi State Mission Director ICPS, Rajiv Khajuria Founder Emeritus NDF/ Member Selection Cum Oversight Committee, Prof. Dr. Arti Bakhshi Member Selection cum Oversight Committee, Arti Sharma Chief Functionary NDF were also present on the occasion. Members of Child Protection Committees from ten villages of Jammu district participated in the workshop.
Sofi in his address asked the CPC members to report child right violations to BCPC and Childline (1098).
He also spoke in detail about the roles of Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards and the provisions under Integrated Child Protection Scheme. Rajiv Khajuria in his address assured Justice Masoodi and Sofi that NDF will facilitate all efforts in establishing CP mechanisms at village, block and district level.
He called upon the Child Protection Committees to set positive examples by enhancing reporting and addressing the matter reported in a reasonable time as children cannot wait for justice and everyone is duty bound to respond to their needs of care and protection. Adding Khajuria said that children are the right holders and parents, community, Govt. and everyone must play their role in ensuring a happy childhood; free from abuse, exploitation and discrimination to all children. (KNS)