Emphasis on implementing Child Protection Policy in every school in Karnataka

Deputy Director of Public Instruction S.S.  Keladimath, District Project Coordinator Vijayalakshmi Honchinall and APCO Prakash Bootale briefed the participants of the review meeting about the progress so far.

Member of Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Shekhargouda Ramatnal has warned officials that any lapse in implementation of Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009 and the Child Protection Policy would be treated seriously, and the Commission would call for requisite action against the same.

He was speaking at the Dharwad Teachers’ Training Centre during a review meeting on the effective implementation of the RTE Act 2009 and the Child Protection Policy under the theme ‘Education Along with Child Protection in Schools’ in Dharwad on February 13.

The implementation of child protection policy should be made mandatory in all schools and RTE Act must be effectively implemented in the district, he said adding that parents should be made aware of the provisions of the Act.

“If there is a shortage of teachers, guest teachers should be appointed to ensure that all classes run smoothly. Children who have dropped out of school should be identified and re-enrolled. Teachers should visit homes to understand the issues faced by children. Parents should be sensitised on government educational schemes and encouraged to send their children to school regularly,” he said.

District Child Protection Officer Neeta Wadkar said that ensuring children’s protection was equally important apart from providing education. Protecting children in distress and integrating them into mainstream society was primary responsibility of all, she said.

Deputy Director of Public Instruction S.S.  Keladimath, District Project Coordinator Vijayalakshmi Honchinall and APCO Prakash Bootale briefed the participants about the progress so far. They assured that by March-end, the revised 2023 version of the Child Protection Policy 2016 would be implemented in all schools, and a confirmation report would be submitted.