Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur   

ICCW's efforts bring down female infanticide

Special Correspondent

Children rescued from match industries Council working in 370 villages for past 15 years

Thanjavur: There has not been even a single incident of female infanticide in Usilampatti village in Madurai district in the past five years because of the continuous efforts taken by Tamil Nadu Unit of Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) to change the mindset of the people, said Chandra Thanikachalam, Joint Secretary, Tamil Nadu unit of ICCW here.

Speaking at a workshop on protection rights of children organised by the ICCW, Ms Thanikachalam said that ICCW has been working in 370 villages around Usilampatti for the past 15 years to bring about a change in the mind of people with respect to female infanticide.

The ICCW social workers educated pregnant women, trained adolescent girls, used women Self Help Group members to bring about a change in the mindset of the people.

Similarly, in Srivilliputhur block in Virudunagar district, children below 14 years employed in match industries were rescued by ICCW workers and were being given education, she said.

In Vellore, children were pawned by parents in beedi industry owners and they were exploited for rolling beedis.

The plight of the children was highlighted in media by ICCW and the Government took follow up action.

ICCW was also involved in the Government of India programme of Chennai childline 1098 offering service to children in crisis.

As per a Supreme Court order, those who wanted to adopt children would have to approach the courts which would seek the recommendation of the ICCW. ICCW workers will ensure whether the children are genuinely taken for adoption.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

ICCW's efforts bring down female infanticide
Campaign against filariasis

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu