Protection of child rights stressed

Rajamahendravaram: Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights member V Gandhi Babu has underlined the need for effective implementation of child rights in the State and the commission is putting its endeavour in this regard.

Speaking to reporters at the Roads and Buildings Guest House here on Tuesday, he stressed the need to conduct awareness camps on child protection and rights. Children below 18 years fall under the purview of the Commission.

The Commission is recommending cases against the persons involved in ‘sexual' abuse against girls under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO)-2012.

But, due to lack of awareness among the girls and their parents many cases are not coming for hearing in the courts. As many as 26 cases are now in hearing stage in the courts as against 266 cases so far registered.

Many cases are not coming to the courts due to the innocence of parents and victims, he said. Women’s Welfare department will pay an immediate compensation of Rs 25,000 to the victim. Meanwhile. District Legal Services Authority is having more funds than the department and they can pay a compensation of Rs 3 to 4 lakh to the victim.

The Commission during its visit to the schools, hostels etc identified many problems such as lack of toilets, sanitation, inadequate rooms, serving all dishes at a time in the plate etc. The Commission recommended to the government to rectify the lapses in many areas and directed the officials to rectify them immediately.

A case was registered against V Santha Kumar of GM Valasa village in Maredumilli mandal under POCSO for allegedly raping a nine-year-old girl. He offered biscuits to the girl and took her to a nearby house and raped her on August 27.

Based on the information given by the victim, a case was registered under POCSO at Maredumilli police station under sections 376-A, 376-B(m) read with POCSO Act 2012. The accused is at large and police are searching for him.