Prakash Kamat
Panaji, April 9-- As a member of Goa Pro Child Rights Network,an umbrella cluster of child rights groups and civil society members, and also as a journalist I have been for long associated with issues and concerns of rights of children.
And that is the reason why I feel concerned when I see that the Goa government seems to have not been taking seriously the diverse concerns pertaining to child rights,especially in the aftermath of persisting COVID-19. This crisis has hit hard the marginalised sections of society of which children,vulnerable children in particular,including children with special needs are major victims.
Among others, do we have to separately stress on the importance of State Commissions and their mandate to work hard for the cause of children and to safeguard their rights?
Do our agencies meant to take prompt action on matters of child rights violations stand up when NGOs and media highlight such cases?
If not, then what is the use of different articles of Constitution of India which are applicable for child labour, free & compulsory education for children between 6 to 14 years. Article 39 of Constitution of India which stresses on prevention of economic exploitation and freedom and dignity of children.
Our Parliament in its wisdom passed the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR)Act, 2005 under which all the Commissions are constituted and have completed nearly 15 years and one needs to see how far we have succeeded in giving rights to children who deserve that care and protection. Remember that 40% of Indian population are children.
India was a signatory to UNCRC article 32 which enforces fundamental rights, is the heart of the Constitution.
Many a times Commissions have no or little funds in which case the awareness about child rights can be done by tapping CSR funds from corporate sector and also seeing for other resources from other sources.
For that it is very important that those at the helmet of affairs understand the role of the Commissions under the Commissions on Protection of Child Rights Act,2005.
: 1) Right to survival which includes right to life, health, nutrition, name and nationality. 2) Right to development which includes education, care, leisure, cultural activities, recreation, 3) Right to protection includes prevention of abuse, exploitation and neglect and 4) Right to participation includes expression, information, thought and religion.
Key actions under section 13 of CPCR Act 2005 includes inquiry, inspection, examination, review of policies, promotion of public awareness on child rights, undertake study and promote children’s participation in the decisions/actions affecting them. Building linkages between national and state legal services authorities and commissions for protection of child rights: opportunities for action. Need to understand the Commissions' role for children’s education in which right to education act, challenges faced in implementation of RTE act, and understanding the role of commissions in monitoring the education sector.
Lack of education for marginalised children being the primary concern in our country, Commissions must actively look into primary school education as well as no screening and no capitation fees for enrolment in schools. Child should not be turned away for birth certificate or proof of residence. Teachers to put in 45 working hours/week. Elementary education from 1st to 8th will include ensuring that the student completes education till class 8th; no fees to be paid, text books, uniform and mid day meal needs to be provided to the students. SMC (School Management Committee) to meet once a month and records the minutes of meeting.
Are the Commissions doing their duty on exploring the law and role of commissions under Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences,Act. It is time that the State Commissions be vigilant and work for innocent children who have no voice of their own.
Is Goa SCPCR active on monitoring the situation of village child committees, having VAU fully functional in Goa, training for police, parents, teachers, doctors, SMC’s, etc.
Is the module earlier developed by Goa SCPCR to be taught to children in school for VIIIth std. across Goa on rights and responsibilities related to various acts related to child rights issues being actually taught?
Do Goa SCPCR Members regularly do inspection of children’s homes and Apna Ghar and report submitted along with recommendation to authorities of Women & Child Development.
Child right issues are many and diverse,such as adolescence related issues, street children and their issues, child labour especially in the context of COVID-19 situation where labour substitution to save on salaries is rampant,child trafficking, child friendly police stations, financial inclusion of children, cyber crimes and children affect the children.
The issues of child right need awareness in the society and families. Therefore,engaging with different platforms of media to build awareness on child rights issues is also a major issue.
Considering the seriousness of mental health aspect for adolescents and children during COVID-19 crisis, the Goa Government must heed to the Goa Pro Child Network representation which urges it to implement the Mental Health Act,2016 by notifying Rules by taking all stakeholders of mental health on board.
Let us be a seriously responsible and accountable society for rights of children who are future of our society.(eom)
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