Call to safeguard child rights: Collector M Haritha in Hanamkonda

Hanamkonda: It's high time to focus on protecting child rights, Warangal Rural District Collector M Haritha said. Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of Child Rights Week here on Wednesday, she specified the role of people in alerting the administration whenever they find infringement of child rights. "The onus is on every citizen to safeguard the rights of children especially of those distressed sections and orphans," Haritha said.

Without the active participation of the people, it's difficult for the line departments concerned to implement the provisions of child rights. "What we need is a cohesive effort from one and all when we deal with the maladies such as female infanticide, girl child selling, child trafficking, child marriages etc.," the Collector said.

She said that people need to be compassionate towards children who are bereft of family love and affection. The Collector emphasised the need for conducting awareness campaigns about Childline-1098 Service, toll-free helpline for street children in distress, and 104 Services that offer medical health support services (MHSS). She heaped praise online departments in charge of the welfare of women and children for working efficiently. DLSA Secretary GV Maheshnath said that they have plans to organise coordination meetings of the line departments to achieve better results.

Emphasising the role of Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in safeguarding the rights of children, its Chairperson Mandala Parashuramulu said that children are the nation's most valuable assets, hence it's time to reaffirm the commitment to implement the child rights. He also emphasised the need for organising awareness programmes for sensitising people on child rights, education, health and hygiene etc.

DCPO G Mahender Reddy explained about the activities carried by the Warangal Rural District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) for the welfare of children, through power point presentation. On the occasion, he Collector gave away mementoes and certificates of appreciation to the 165 students who excelled in sports competitions organised by the administration as part of child rights week. The Mondrai ZP High School students, who presented mock assembly programme, have also come in for appreciation. The Collector along with children released balloons on the occasion.

District Welfare Officer K Chinnaiah, CWC members K Manjula and Balaraju, Nadikuda ZPTC Sumalatha, Swaroopa Rani, BRB Coordinator Vijayalaxmi, CDPOs Swarnalatha, Padma, ACDPO Bhagyalaxmi and Kala Kumari were among others present.