Dept dithers over forming Childline Advisory Board

It has dragged its feet over setting up the key institution

For the past three years, the DWCD has not bothered to hold a single meeting with various departmental heads to constitute the Childline Advisory Board (CAB).

The CAB is an offshoot of the children’s helpline (1098), meant to involve heads of various departments in the State to put in place child welfare measures to be implemented by each department.

As the head of this Board, the meetings are initiated and chaired by the Director of DWCD. A children’s rights activist who has been attempting to coordinate the meeting of the CAB says that despite repeated letters and reminders, the Department has failed to respond with a concrete plan.

“Each time we approach the Director, we are told that they will think about it and will inform us.

For the past three years, it’s the same story,” the activist says. The role of CAB is to involve all departments to sensitise them on child welfare measures.

“Some departments actually have money allocated for child welfare programmes. Others are asked to make their programmes more child-friendly. For example, the BBMP must ensure that children are spared from dust allergy if any of its projects are coming up near schools,” the activist explained.

Each department ideally appoints a staff member as resource person to coordinate with the DWCD. Earlier, some departments had given their consent to implement child friendly plans.

Lack of interest

While BMTC had agreed to put up stickers on their buses about children’s issues, BWSSB had agreed to stop supplying water at unearthly hours as it was reported that parents often dragged their children along in the wee hours of the morning to collect water.

“There is a lot that can be achieved through this meeting. Unfortunately, the Department does not seem to be interested in convening any meeting at all. This is akin to child rights violation,”  the activist fumed.

When contacted, Director Shamla Iqbal professed her ignorance on the matter. “I am sure there was one meeting some time ago. But I will have to check,” Shamla said.