New Delhi
Handbook, module and guidelines on Safe Childhood Programme for Gram Panchayats was released Monday.
It was released jointly by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Ministry of Panchayati Raj and UNICEF.
The handbook will be useful for the functionaries of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in protecting the rights of children at the village level.
Releasing the Handbook, Secretary of Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj Jitendra Shankar Mathur called it as a landmark occasion.
He said, ”Unless and until communities are involved, making a difference in the lives of children at the village level is an uphill task.”
Mr Mathur also said the beneficial legislations which are available in the country should be implemented in reality to empower the children of the country.
He suggested that the initiative by NCPCR and UNICEF should be ”pursued vigorously” for quick outcomes.
NCPCR Chairperson Stuti Kacker, who spoke about the importance of community support which was available in earlier times said, today, with changing socio-economic conditions, children are not always safe.
She said involvement of Gram Panchayats will go a long way for a safe and secure childhood.
Ms Kacker said keeping that in view, the handbook, module and guidelines have been prepared in collaboration with UNICEF.