Child rights activist Nagasimha G. Rao has urged the Karnataka government to strengthen child protection measures and make this year’s Dasara celebrations child-friendly.
Child rights activist Nagasimha G. Rao has appealed to Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to strengthen child protection measures during Dasara and ensure children’s safety, dignity and participation.
Bengaluru: Child rights activist Nagasimha G. Rao has appealed to Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to make this year’s Dasara celebrations child-friendly and strengthen measures to protect children during the festival.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Rao referred to the government’s recent direction to take action to rescue children from child labour, to end the practice.
Rao said concerns relating to migrant children, child labour and violence against children were reported during last year’s Dasara. He urged the government to give special priority to children’s rights to survival, protection, development and participation during this year’s celebrations.
Dasara Child Protection Measures
Rao called for the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), Mysuru District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and other concerned departments to take special responsibility for child protection during Dasara.
He also urged authorities to display clear Child Helpline 1098 banners at Dasara venues, markets, tourist places and other public spaces.
The appeal called for the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) to maintain special vigilance to prevent child labour, child begging, missing children, violence against children and child trafficking.
Rao further proposed a special “Child-Friendly Dasara - Safe Dasara for Every Child” action plan through coordinated efforts involving the Police Department, District Administration, Department of Women and Child Development, KSCPCR, DCPU, CWC and child rights organisations.
Appeal For Safe Dasara Celebrations
Rao urged the Karnataka government to give the highest priority to child protection during the Dasara celebrations.
The activist said Dasara should not only be a festival of celebration but also an occasion that respects the rights, dignity and safety of every child. He stressed that ensuring children can participate safely, happily and without fear, exploitation or abuse is a collective responsibility.
