Karnataka - Mangalore   

Call for greater awareness on Juvenile Justice Act

Staff Correspondent

MANGALORE: It is important for officials and elected representatives to work collectively to create greater awareness on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, President of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Mamatha Gatti has said.

Speaking after inaugurating a workshop to create awareness on the Act here on Friday, she said only a participatory approach can ensure that the rights of children are not violated. However, the impact of such workshops and campaigns is not visible for want of proper implementation of the Act and lack of people's involvement. Children are exploited in various manners as is seen from growing instances of child labour coming to light, she said.

There is a need for a change in public perception to issues concerning children. Society must protect the fundamental rights of children. People should stop employing children. Besides, there must be effective follow-up of these issues by the authorities concerned and elected representatives, she said. G.L. Vittal, Deputy Secretary of the panchayat, said there is an escapist tendency among many when it comes to dealing with problems pertaining to children. No proper efforts are being made to address the issues, he said.

He expressed the hope that the workshop will make a new beginning in this direction.

B. Thimappa, Chief Accounts Officer of the panchayat, spoke. Gertrude Veigas, Deputy Director of the Department of Women and Child Welfare, welcomed the gathering. Rohini, member of the Child Welfare Committee, proposed a vote of thanks. Renny D'Souza, representative from Valored, was present.

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