Intro
The Collector directed departments to improve coordination and strictly follow government guidelines for effective child safety measures
KOPPAL
District Collector Dr. Suresh B. Itnal said that protecting every child’s right to a happy childhood, health and education is a shared responsibility. He made the statement while chairing a meeting on strengthening child rights systems at the District Collector’s office.
The meeting was organized by the District Child Protection Committee in association with UNICEF. Dr. Itnal said children affected by unexpected situations should receive proper care, protection and government support. He instructed officials to ensure that children’s identities remain confidential and that welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries without delay.
The Collector directed officers to improve coordination between departments and strictly follow government guidelines related to child safety. He stressed the need to bring school dropouts back to education, prevent child marriages and regularly inspect hostels to check food, cleanliness and health facilities. He also asked authorities to register all government and private hostels and install safety measures like CCTV cameras and complaint boxes.
District Child Protection Officer Sindhu Angadi informed that child welfare institutions, including the Child Welfare Committee and Juvenile Justice Board, are functioning in Koppal. She said five child care institutions currently support 87 children by focusing on education, nutrition, health and protection. Assistance is also being provided through various schemes and training programmes.
UNICEF officials stated that protecting children is the responsibility of everyone. During the meeting, a manual containing important departmental circulars and measures to prevent child marriage was released. Officials from various departments participated and discussed steps to create a safer environment for children. The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen child protection systems and ensure better opportunities for every child in the district.
Key highlights of the meeting
- Collector stresses protecting children’s rights, health and education.
- Officials directed preventing child marriages and school dropouts.
- Hostels to undergo regular safety and facility inspections.
- Five child care institutions support 87 children currently.
- Authorities instructed registering all government and private hostels.
- Child protection manual released with preventive measures discussed.
