Launch of Campaign for a Child Marriage-Free India

Udaipur A workshop meeting of the Block-Level Child Protection Committee was held on Friday at the Badgaon Panchayat Samiti Hall, under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme. The workshop focused on ensuring the safety of children and creating a child-friendly environment, developing action plans on child rights issues, and ensuring the participation of society and panchayats in the implementation of these plans.

During the workshop, Rajeev Meghwal, Member of the Rajasthan State Child Protection Commission, emphasized the need for all departments to collaborate in preventing child marriages. He stated that the government has made several provisions to protect child rights and is sensitive to children's welfare.

Discussion on Child Rights Issues with Sensitivity

Arushi Jain, Assistant Director of the Child Rights Department, stressed the importance of discussing children's issues with sensitivity. She highlighted that children have the right to life, education, development, and safety. Experts on child rights in the workshop also shared their views, emphasizing that children should have access to basic facilities, be protected from exploitation, receive proper education, and have opportunities to grow and succeed. They also underscored the importance of effectively preventing child labor.

Parents Should Monitor Children's Activities

Yashoda Paniya, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, addressed the workshop, stating that the role of elected representatives at the village panchayat level is crucial in preventing child crimes. She suggested that issues related to child rights should also be discussed in the Gram Sabha. While the government is making every effort at its level, cooperation from society and local communities is essential to bring marginalized children into the mainstream. She further added that it is the responsibility of parents to monitor their children’s activities. With the rise in social media and other communication platforms, children are becoming victims of cybercrimes.

Child Helpline Awareness

Navneet Audichya, District Coordinator of the Child Helpline, highlighted the role of the 1098 Child Helpline and urged everyone to report any issues related to children and to work towards their prevention.

Regular Child Protection Meetings at Panchayat Level

Badgaon Panchayat Head, Pratibha Nagda, and Development Officer, Jitendra Singh Rajawat, emphasized the importance of holding regular child protection meetings at the panchayat level. They urged that such meetings should be held consistently. During the event, the Development Officer administered an oath to everyone to take action towards preventing child marriages as part of the "Child Marriage-Free India" campaign.

The workshop was attended by Pratibha Nagda, the Panchayat Head of Badgaon, Rajkumar Zingar, Protection Officer, Jitendra Singh Rajawat, Block Development Officer of Badgaon, members of the committee, officers from the Child Helpline, Child Rights Department, Education Department, Social Justice and Empowerment Department, as well as Panchayat heads and public representatives from various villages.