Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 03: State Child Protection Society (SCPS organised a community awareness programme on “Child Rights and Responsibilities” at New Wandoor Beach. Programme was coordinated by Programme Manager, State Child Protection Society, in collaboration with the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the Unique Disability ID (UDID) Scheme. Programme aimed to create awareness on child rights, child protection, prevention of child labour, prevention of substance abuse, and the welfare and inclusion of children with disabilities.
Addressing the gathering, the Programme Manager SCPS highlighted the objectives of Mission Vatsalya, emphasising the importance of ensuring the care, protection, rehabilitation and holistic development of children through active community participation. Participants were also sensitised about the role of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, as the competent authority to ensure the care, protection, rehabilitation and restoration of children in need of care and protection. Awareness was also created on the Unique Disability ID (UDID) Scheme, encouraging families to register eligible children with disabilities so that they can avail Government welfare schemes and services. The Founder of Pankh NGO Mrs. Komal Anand delivered a brief session on the prevention of child labour and highlighted the importance of protecting every child’s right to education, safety and overall development. The programme also focused on preventing drug and substance abuse among children and adolescents. Participants were sensitised about its harmful effects and were encouraged to promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen family support systems and remain vigilant in protecting children from addiction and other social risks.
Programme was attended by the Pradhan of the Gram Panchayat & PRI Members, President of the Boat Association along with his members of the association, tourism stakeholders and other prominent members of the local community. They appreciated the SCPS, Directorate of Social Welfare for organising such awareness programmes on a regular basis to create awareness among the younger generation, local residents and tourists. They expressed that such initiatives play an important role in protecting children, promoting social responsibility and building a safer community.
Women folk from the locality also participated enthusiastically in the programme and actively shared their views and valuable suggestions during the interactive session. Community members expressed concern that increasing involvement of children and adolescents in substance abuse and other anti-social activities often leads to behavioural problems, affects their education and future, and creates stress and conflict within families. They emphasised the need for greater parental supervision, moral guidance and continuous awareness programmes to ensure that children grow up in a safe, healthy and disciplined environment.
During the interactive session, participants also discussed issues relating to school dropouts, child labour, substance abuse among adolescents and other challenges affecting children in the locality. The discussion encouraged greater community participation in safeguarding children’s rights and well-being.
Approximately 190 beneficiaries, including Panchayat representatives, PRI Members, parents, women, youth, tourism stakeholders, members of the Boat Association and local residents, participated in the programme.
The programme concluded with a collective appeal that every child deserves a safe, secure and nurturing environment free from exploitation, abuse, neglect and substance abuse. The participants reaffirmed that protecting children and ensuring their holistic development is a shared responsibility of families, communities and every citizen.
