- In schools, Anganwadi centres and public places, children and the general public should be informed about child rights and safety measures.
In Chhattisgarh, awareness activities are being conducted across the state under the direction of the State Child Protection Committee to protect children’s rights, prevent child crimes, and provide prompt assistance in times of crisis. In this connection, teams from Raipur, Balod, and Bemetara organized extensive awareness programs in schools, Anganwadi centers, and public places, informing children, adolescents, teachers, parents, and the general public about laws and government schemes related to child protection.
In Raipur district, Child Helpline 1098, Bhatagaon, along with Scout Guides, Bemetara team, groups of girls, children found smoking and the travelling passengers were made aware about child protection. During this, information was given about Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 and Model Rules 2016, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) 2012 and Rules 2020, Child Marriage Prohibition Act 2006, Adoption Regulations 2022, Mission Vatsalya, Chief Minister Bal Uday Yojana, Bal Saksham Policy and Child Protection Policy.
The awareness program also raised awareness about important issues such as child violence, exploitation, trafficking, child labor, child smuggling, and cybercrime. Information was also provided about the “Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child” campaign and the support services available in times of crisis. In the event of a child in distress or a child rights violation, information was provided about contacting the child helpline 1098, 181 for women, and 112 for emergency police assistance.
671 children and 16 teachers participated in the awareness programme organised at Government Girls Higher Secondary School Khurdmuri (Tilda) and Government High School Chhataud (Tilda) in Raipur district on 13th August. Students were given information on various subjects including child friendly principles, child rights, POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice Act, Child Marriage Prohibition Act, cyber crime and good touch-bad touch. During this, Anganwadi Centre No. 03 of Chhataud was also inspected and children, lactating mothers, Anganwadi workers and assistants were made aware about departmental schemes and Child Helpline 1098.
In this sequence, a public awareness programme was organised by the District Child Protection Unit and Child Helpline 1098 at the Government Higher Secondary School, Konghatola, under the Balod Block of Balod district. The students were given information about the POCSO Act 2012, Juvenile Justice Act 2015, Child Marriage Prohibition Act 2006, good touch-bad touch, cyber crime and child rights. The school’s principal and teachers, along with 113 boys and girls, participated in the programme. The children were also explained the process of getting help in case of any kind of exploitation, violence or crisis.
Through these child protection activities, children are being made aware of their rights, as well as increasing awareness in society against child marriage, child labor, child trafficking, violence, exploitation and cyber crime. The department has appealed to the general public to be sensitive towards children and participate in ensuring the safety of children by immediately contacting the relevant support services in case of any violence, exploitation or crisis.