Victims of child abuse to be rehabilitated in Kathua

Our Correspondent

Kathua, August 19

The Kathua district administration has decided to “suitably” rehabilitate the juveniles, who are victims of child labour and abuse by establishing a ‘shelter home’ for the welfare of children in challenging circumstances.

The administration has also decided to provide admission to all such children in schools so that they are able to live a normal life.

Official sources said the administration recently rescued about 30 children, who were engaged as labourers in different industrial units and business establishments.

“They were shifted to Bal Ashram and Nari Niketan, but there was no proper mechanism for their rehabilitation. The need was felt to have a shelter home as well as a Juvenile Justice Fund (Child Welfare Fund) at district level, which will be utilised for rehabilitation, welfare of children in challenging circumstances,” the sources said.

In this regard, Kathua Deputy Commissioner Raghav Langer chaired a meeting of officers to review the functioning of child protection services in the district and took a detailed review regarding the functioning of Childline, an NGO. Coordinator of the NGO Pardeep Singh apprised the participants about the work done and challenges faced by them in discharging their duties.

“The DC has asked the officials to display the NGO’s helpline number (1098) in complex of district offices and other government offices. The Chief Education Officer has also been directed to ensure admission of all children recommended by the NGO and Child Welfare Committee in the nearby schools,” an official said.

He also directed the District Child Protection Officer to look up a suitable building for establishing a Shelter Home.

“Some cases relating to children housed in children homes were also discussed with Chief Prosecuting Officer,” the official said.

Rescued 30 children from child labour

The administration has also decided to provide admission to all such children in schools so that they are able to live a normal life. Official sources said the administration recently rescued about 30 children, who were engaged as labourers in different industrial units and business establishments.