CM asks Delhi Commission for Women to strengthen complaint system, child safety measures

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CM Rekha Gupta suggested that adolescents leaving child care institutions could be provided with autos for self-reliance. | Photo Credit: ANI

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday held separate meetings with officials of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) and the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), directing the two panels to strengthen complaint redressal, safety measures and outreach.

At her meeting with the DCW, Ms. Gupta directed the women’s commission to strengthen its online complaint system and step up its activities at the grassroots level on issues concerning women and girls.

She also directed the DCW to ensure that adolescent girls have access to information and facilities related to human papillomavirus vaccine.

The CM called for making the online system for handling complaints from women simpler and more effective. She said willing non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and residents’ welfare associations should be brought on board to expand the campaign’s reach. At her meeting with the DCPCR officials, Ms. Gupta emphasised the need to raise awareness among children about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and cybercrimes.

She stressed the need for mandatory police verification of school employees, including bus drivers, attendants and sanitation workers, to ensure there is no scope for negligence in matters concerning children’s safety.

The CM also directed the DCPCR to compile detailed information on children living in child care institutions and submit it to her office.

The list should include the child’s name, age, institution concerned, duration of stay, education, qualifications and skills acquired, she said.

“It is not enough to merely provide shelter to children leaving these institutions. It is necessary to connect them with education, skills and employment and help them become self-reliant,” Ms. Gupta said, adding that work could be undertaken to provide autorickshaws to interested adolescents, enabling them to begin a dignified livelihood.

The CM also directed the DCPCR to inspect arrangements for mid-day meals in schools and food provided to children at anganwadi centres, and said any shortcomings should be reported immediately.

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