Street children should be handled with care: DCPCR to Delhi Police
New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has started their orientation programme with Delhi Police where the main focus is being given to the children who are living in the street situation.
According to DCPCR, the objective of the programme is to capacitate the police personnel across Delhi on their respective roles and responsibilities in the JJ system with special reference to children in street situations.
Rita Singh, member DCPCR said, "We have asked police personnel that if they found any child begging on the street, try to enrol him with some school or Aaganwadi." She further stated that special attention should be given while handling these kids.
The Commission also told Delhi Police to use the Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) made by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) for care and protection of children in street situations. The child rights body is also being helped by an NGO named Save the children.
According to SOP, children on street are those who need care and protection for whom the government has established helpline number 1098 operated and managed by Childline that has been the assigned the role and responsibility to rescue and produce such children before the CWC and provide care and protection to the child as per CWC order. "The Government has established a district wise District Child Protection Unit (under Revised ICPS) to coordinate with all stakeholders and provide necessary support for care and protection of Children in Street Situations," claimed SOP.
Recently, the District Level Convergence Meeting for the Southwest District of Delhi held on 9th January which was chaired by Chairperson of DCPCR Ramesh Negi with other stakeholders.
In the meeting, he briefed about three main agendas to be addressed regarding the children in street situations which are providing identity (Aadhaar card), nutrition and sanitation and education.
Ramesh Negi recommended the mapping of areas should be done by the CPO where the concentration of street children is high and the advocacy campaigns should be held regarding Aadhaar and nutrition and if required, the funding would be provided or backed by DCPCR.
"The NGOs can certify the children and CWC should endorse the child if any difficulty arises the DCPCR will give further directions," claimed the minutes of the meeting.
