Kishtwar, March 29: Under the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma, and under the guidance of District Child Protection Officer (DSWO) Kishtwar, Sh. Tariq Parveaz Qazi (JKAS), the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Kishtwar today organised a workshop-cum-sensitisation programme on child rights and the role of Child Helpline at PAALASH (Government-run Boys CCI), Kishtwar aimed to create awareness among children and staff members about the importance of safeguarding child rights and ensuring timely intervention in cases of distress through the Child Helpline mechanism.
Ms. Deepika Bhandari (Protection Officer-IC), DCPU Kishtwar welcomed the dignitaries and participants, conducted the proceedings of the programme, and also explained the Institutional Care process under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
During the Programme, Chairperson Child Welfare Committee Kishtwar, Sh.Sheetal Nain Sharma, highlighted various aspects of child rights, including the right to protection, education, participation, and survival.
He informed that CWC is a statutory body constituted under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, mandated to ensure the care, protection, treatment, development, and rehabilitation of children in need.
Ms.Swati Sharma, Counsellor CHL Kishtwar, shared a detailed information regarding the functioning of Child Helpline (1098), its accessibility, and its role in providing immediate assistance to children in need of care and protection.
District Child Protection Officer Kishtwar, Sh. Tariq Parveaz Qazi (JKAS), in his concluded remarks emphasized that child rights are fundamental and must be protected at all levels.
He highlighted that ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children is a shared responsibility of parents, institutions (registered both Govt. And Private run CCIs) and society at large.
Qazi urged all stakeholders to remain committed towards the protection, care, and overall development of children and to make effective use of available mechanisms like Child Helpline (1098) and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) , Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) for timely intervention and support.
It is pertinent to mention here that inmates from various Child Care Institutions (CCIs) of Kishtwar actively participated in the programme and were also honoured by the District Child Protection Officer for their involvement.
Those present on the occasion included members of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), DCPU staff,
Child Helpline (CHL) staff and staff members of various CCIs.
