Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Apr 8: “Udupi is a child friendly district. It has reached most of the requirements set by the national commission for child rights. The district administration is working to ensure zero child marriage cases here," said Dr RG Anand, member National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
He was addressing the media after conducting a review meeting with the district administration regarding child protection in Udupi district.
He said, "I have visited many districts in the recent days. Udupi has 28 childcare institutions with over 400 children. The district administration is ensuring protection of children. It is also working for the prevention of child marriages. The way of prevention in the district is good. Udupi is marching to become a child-friendly district by preventing child marriages and effective implementation of law. Parliament member of Udupi Shobha Karandlaje is also working for the cause. We want to make Udupi as a child-friendly district. There are 34 police stations in the district and all are equipped with child-friendly police. We will review the overall situation and file the report with the district administration.
“We will visit child care institutions randomly and review the ground reality. We are also observing how the district administration is working effectively. If any loopholes are noticed, the national commission will write to the director.
“There is a toll number for Covid-infected and affected children in the national level. The infected children can call on 1800-121-2830 from Monday to Friday and counselling will be provided for the children. It had started with three languages. Now we are operating in all the languages including Kannada. We are planning to give tele-counseling as well. We are collaborating with NIMHANS. There are SOPs to eradicate child drug use in association with NCB,” he said.
Udupi district commissioner G Jagadeesha, assistant superintendent of police Kumarachandra, assistant deputy commissioner Sadashiva Prabu were present during the meeting.