'State plans child welfare centres in all dists'

Speaking after inaugurating the Sri Krishna Balanikethana, a fit institution under the Juvenile Justice Act 2000, and the newly built kitchen block, dining hall and cultural centre here , Dr Ashwath said that private organisations should join hands with the government to look after the orphan children. “While there are nearly 180 private institutions in the State, about 30 to 35 are being run under government grants.

Homeless kids should not become liabilities. Instead, they should be the assets to the society,” he added.

District and Sessions Judge Chengappa said that the conditions of the children in the State run homes are deplorable. Juvenile Justice Act was introduced by the government to provide the basic facilities to the destitute children with security for life. The Act has enabled the introduction of Child Welfare Committee (CWC) comprising 6 members including a woman, Chengappa added.

Blessing the occasion, Pejawar seer Sri Vishweshatheertha Sripada said laws should not be misused to meet selfish ends. In fact, laws are very much essential for the safety of the society. Measures should be taken to check misuse of laws, whereby child trafficking and conversions are being carried out, he added.

“CWCs should contemplate on the issues related to the injustices meted out on children. The Committee should be seriously concerned with the welfare of the children,”  Udupi MLA Raghupathy Bhat suggested.

Sri Anegudde Vinayaka Temple Dharmadarshi Sooryanarayan Upadhyaya was present.