Mr. Priyank Kanoongo, Chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, New Delhi, conducted a meeting with officials from various departments in Punjab to assess various schemes and the implementation of laws concerning child rights.
The Special Chief Secretary of Social Security, Women and Child Development Mrs. Raji P. Shrivastava, the Member Secretary of Punjab State Legal Service Authority, the Secretary of Home Affairs and Justice Department, the Special Secretary of Punjab AIDS Control Society, the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department, the School Education Department, the Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances Department, the Rural Development and Panchayat Department, the Health and Family Welfare Department, the Local Government Department, the National Health Mission, and the Food and Drugs Administration Labor Department officials participated in the review of various schemes aimed at promoting child development.
He mentioned that the Commission has the authority of a civil court to investigate matters related to damage and violation of child rights, non-implementation of laws for child protection and development, and non-compliance with policies and guidelines.
Effective enforcement of various laws and statutes related to children, such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2005, is crucial for safeguarding children's rights.
The Chairman stressed that, for the protection of child rights, an examination and review of the protections currently in force by or under the law and their effects should be implemented. He said submitting a report to commission on the working style of this security annually and at such other periods.He stated that violations of child rights should be investigated, and appropriate action should be taken in such cases.
He emphasized the need to examine cases involving children in need of special attention and protection, such as those living in vulnerable situations, marginalized or disadvantaged children, children in legal disputes, adolescents, children without families, and children of prisoners.
It is essential to scrutinize these cases and implement suitable solutions. Periodic reviews of existing policies, programs, and other activities related to child rights are necessary to ensure effective implementation in the best interest of children.
During this event, Mr. Kanwardeep Singh, Chairman of the Punjab State Child Rights Commission, Social Security and Women and Child Development Department Director Dr. Shena Aggarwal, Deputy Director Mr. Amarjit Singh Bhullar and Mr. Rajwinder Singh Gill were present.