Fourth-grader’s ordeal spurs Statewide action for child protection

The General Education department has come up with a comprehensive action plan aimed at identifying the violence and abuse faced by children at home and in society, and ensuring their protection.

Speaking to media persons after visiting a nine-year-old girl who was physically abused by her father and stepmother at Charumoodu in Alappuzha on Saturday, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty said that the Suraksha Mithram project would help identify the problems faced by children and provide them with the necessary protection.

“The distressing experience recently faced by a fourth-grade girl has shocked the conscience of us all. When I met her, I felt deep pain in my heart. Despite the incident, she spoke to me with a smile on her face. Violence against children will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The government is handling this matter with utmost seriousness and will ensure that the child receives all necessary protection and assistance,” the Minister said.

‘Help box’ at schools

As part of the Suraksha Mithram project, a ‘help box’ will be installed in all schools for children to confidentially record their complaints and distressing experiences. “This will be under the responsibility of the headmaster or headmistress. The box should be opened at least once a week, and the information received should be assessed and reported to the Education department for further action,” Mr. Sivankutty said.

The Minister said that teachers would be given special training to observe changes in children’s behaviour or learning, and identify whether there were any problems. “Emphasis will be placed on monitoring children and interacting with them in a friendly manner. Through initiatives such as diary writing and zero hour, children will be given opportunities to openly share their thoughts with teachers,” he said.

Mr. Sivankutty said the project would be implemented in collaboration with departments such as Women and Child Development, Social Justice, Local Self Government, Health, and Police. Assistance from these departments will be sought to ensure that children receive the necessary medical care, counselling, and rehabilitation. The functioning of existing systems like the Child Welfare Committee and the helpline 1098 will also be made more effective, the Minister added.

Enhancing parenting clinics

The Minister said that existing parenting clinics would be made more active to provide counselling to parents facing problems. “Government homes and special homes are functioning for children in need of protection, and these facilities will be utilised to the fullest extent,” Mr. Sivankutty said, adding that the Director of Public Education would soon issue a standard operating procedure for the safety and protection of children.