Experts for child-friendly corners in police stations

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 10

The Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR), in association with the State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authority, organised a sensitisation-cum-interaction session here today.

The participants of the programme included panel advocates and volunteers of legal services authority. The theme of the programme was to identify issues that should be dealt with to make Chandigarh a child-friendly city.

The vulnerability of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act victims was one such issue raised by the participants. According to them, children who are victims feel scared while coming to the courts. Experts suggested an increase in the number of support persons trained to deal with children.

Experts felt a need for increasing the parent-teacher interaction so as to make the education system friendly and approachable. It was also decided that the school management committees should be given regular training so that they are more participative in their approach.

It was discussed that cameras should be installed in each class and participants mulled over the child-friendly infrastructure at every police station. It was contemplated that should at least be child-friendly corners in every police station/police post.

Preventive approach

It was brought forth during the interaction that there the sale of tobacco in and around the schools was rampant, owing to which, children are being misused for supplying drugs and other narcotics by anti-social elements. Experts felt a need for special check over the sale of drugs among children.

Speaking at the occasion, Harjinder Kaur, Chairperson CCPCR said the Commission would carry out focused activities every month.