Govt to launch child protection policy

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government is crafting a child protection policy to safeguard the state's most vulnerable citizens. This comprehensive plan aims to address a wide range of issues, from education and healthcare to safety and social welfare. It plans to set up a robust monitoring system to track the implementation of various child protection laws.
Top sources in the govt said that the new policy will create standard operating procedures for govt departments, law enforcement agencies and child welfare committees to ensure swift action in cases of child rights violations. The policy is expected to place special emphasis on vulnerable children, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, children with disabilities and those living in remote areas.
"Key focus areas of the policy will include setting up dedicated child protection units at district levels, strengthening the existing childline services, creating awareness programmes in schools and communities, establishing better coordination between various govt departments, developing specific protocols for child trafficking prevention and implementing stricter monitoring of child care institutions," a senior govt official said.
Sources added that the policy will also address emerging challenges faced by children in urban areas, particularly those related to cyber safety and digital well-being. Special provisions will be made for children of seasonal migrant workers, ensuring their access to education and healthcare services remains uninterrupted.
To strengthen the implementation mechanism, the proposed policy will include provisions for regular training programmes for stakeholders, periodic review meetings at state- and district-level, development of child-friendly spaces in public areas, enhanced budget allocation for child protection programmes and the creation of a centralised database for tracking vulnerable children.
"The govt plans to involve gram panchayats and urban local bodies in the implementation process, making child protection a priority at the grassroots level. The policy will establish clear guidelines for reporting and addressing cases of child abuse, neglect and exploitation," sources said.
Special provisions will be made to address the needs of children with disabilities, ensuring their inclusion in mainstream education and social activities, officials said. "The policy will also focus on preventing school dropouts and promoting skill development among adolescents," said sources.
The govt plans to establish a dedicated helpline for children and parents, offering guidance and support on various issues. Regular social audits will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of child protection measures and identify areas for improvement.
"The policy drafting process is expected to be completed within the next few months, followed by a phase-wise implementation across the state. Regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be put in place to ensure effective implementation and timely achievement of policy objectives," an official said. Comprehensive research and collaboration with experts and organisations will be taken up while drafting the policy, sources added.