Divisional Commissioner, Sanjeev Verma today chaired a meeting to review the progress of implementation of Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) in Jammu division.The meeting was attended by Secretary Red Cross, District Child Protection Officer and Programme Officer ICDS Jammu Natasha Kalsotra, Deputy Director ICDS Deepika Rana, Protection Officers, social and outreach workers besides other officials of social welfare department from various districts of Jammu division.For effective implementation of the scheme, the Div Com called upon the concerned officers to widen their reach and intensify public outreach programme under ICPS. He said that the scheme is based on cardinal principle of protection of child rights and best interest of the child.
He asked the concerned officials to adopt a pragmatic approach in fulfilling the objectives of ICPS to contribute for improving the wellbeing of children in difficult circumstances, as well as reduction of vulnerabilities to situations and actions that lead to abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment and separation of children.The Div Com called for establishing more children homes under Integrated Child Protection Scheme for creating a safe and secure environment for children in need of care and protection.He directed the officers to identify places for child protection homes and observation rooms, while calling upon the senior functionaries to conduct regular inspection of children homes.The Div Com asked the concerned officials to recruit the required staff for children homes as per the set norms and guidelines.