Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)
Udupi, Jan 24: “Media should make sure that news about children and women that they report does not hurt their dignity,” said district SP Laxman B Nimbargi.
He was speaking after inaugurating a programme to create awareness on children’s rights and legal acts. The programme for media representatives and police officials was held at Dr V S Acharya auditorium on Thursday by Karnataka State Children’s Rights Commission, district administration, district panchayat, Udupi district legal services authority, Women and Children’s Welfare department, department of Public Instruction and District Children’s Protection unit.
“Children’s rights are stated in Indian Constitution. However their violation is rampant. Children are employed when labourers are not available. Any third person can complain about the violation under Pocso act. There is a need of a centre in the district to provide medicine to victimized children, treatment for mental sickness, counselling and legal advice. Such children should be treated like a member of our family,” he said.
“There was no freedom to women and children before independence. But there are several changes after independence. The government has implemented several measures that are conducive to the growth of children at every stage. The information should reach people. The schemes in children’s welfare committee are government sponsored programme. Media persons should provide information on them,” he said.
“The writings about children should be real. Those should not create anxiety among children and their family members. It is heard that policemen treat children during investigations like adult criminals. Therefore, policemen are being trained in this direction,” he said.
District and session court senior assistant government prosecutor Jyothi Pramod Nayak gave details of children’s legal act. “As per the act if a child commits a crime, action is being taken considering the situation and pressures. Instead of punishing the child, it is being rehabilitated to bring to the mainstream. No case that is being investigated in children’s legal cell be made public. Police do not know how to speak to affected children about children rights. It requires awareness,” she said.
Karnataka state children’s commission member Vanita N Toravi gave an introduction. A picture of intersection was shown to police officers and media representatives.
Manipal School of Communication journalism department head Dr Shubha, film actor and director Suchendra Prasad, women and children welfare department deputy director Gracy Gonsalves and children’s welfare committee’s Mohan Nalikeri were present.
District children protection officer Veena welcomed. Teacher Prashanth compered the programme.