Karnataka child rights commission to urge state govt to extend menstrual leaves to schools, colleges

Davanagere: State Child Rights Commission member Aparna M Kolla stated that she would recommend the state government to extend menstrual leave to female students of schools and colleges on the lines of female employees in the state. 

This was her response to a query by a student about whether menstrual leave be extended to female students at an interactive programme organised by the Child Protection Directorate at Guru Bhavan on AVK College Road here on Friday.

She said the girl’s request for menstrual leave is welcome and that it needs to be decided at the government level. The Child Rights Protection Commission will immediately recommend this to the state government,’ she promised .

She said data has  confirmed that child marriage is on the rise in the district. Child marriages are likely to increase in the months of February, March and April. Stricter measures need to be taken in this regard. As soon as such matters come to your attention, report them to the child helpline, she advised.

She also lamented that sexual abuse under the pretext of love has increased. In the cases registered under the POCSO Act, love-related matters are more common. Boys and girls need to be careful about this,’ she suggested.

Reduce screen time:

‘Students are watching TV and mobile phones for hours together. Phone radiation is affecting the eyes and mind. Due to this, students are losing concentration. There are restrictions on online games, and they should stay away from them. If screen time is reduced, physical and mental development is possible,’ said District Superintendent of Police Uma Prashant.

High school students have also been caught consuming alcohol. Students should be involved in sports and cultural activities more to keep them away from bad habits . Parents, schools and colleges should pay attention to this, she advised.

She also noted that 820 students in the district are school dropouts. Poverty may also be the reason for this. However, students should be made interested in education. Instead of studying hard, they should study with pleasure. The police who visit houses will also collect information about students who have dropped out of school,’ she said.

Child Welfare Committee President Manjula, Deputy Director of Women and Child Development Department Raja Nayak, District Child Protection Officer T.N. Kavita, Doctor Dr. Siddesh, BEOs Pushpalatha and Visalakshi were present.

10 schools temporarily closed

DDPI G Kotresh  said 10 government schools in the district have been temporarily closed due to poor enrolment. "We are ready to reopen these schools if students enroll as expected. Some of the closed schools are functioning again".

‘This situation has arisen in government schools due to the obsession with English medium and city schools. Quality education is also being provided in government schools. Parents need to change their mindset,’ he said in response to a student’s question.