Consultation on Child Safety Net Held in Kalaburagi Highlights Rights-Centered Approach to Child Protection

A Consultation Meeting on Child Safety Net Organized by Don Bosco Gulbarga in collaboration with District Child Protection Unit (DCPO) on 23/09/2025 at Government Girls’ Home, Gulbarga

The programe was inaugurated at the Government Girls’ Home near Alanda Checkpost, Kalaburagi, under the leadership of Srinivasa Navale, Member Secretary, District Legal Services Authority. In his keynote address, he emphasized that the best interests of the child should always remain paramount in child protection operations, as mandated by the Juvenile Justice Act. He urged law enforcement officers to act with sensitivity and responsibility, setting aside ego and formality, to ensure children’s rights are fully protected. Referring to a recent child abuse case, he highlighted the mishandling of procedures when police brought the accused and the victim in the same vehicle, stressing that such practices undermine children’s rights. District Labour officer Sharanappa Halimani reported that, in collaboration with 11 departments, more than 900 raids were conducted across the district between 2024–25, rescuing 47 children and reintegrating them into mainstream society, though he pointed out the need for stronger police support in registering cases post-rescue.

It was a platform to bring together all the district-level officers to address child protection issues.

The program was jointly organized by the Directorate of Child Protection, District Legal Services Authority, District Child Protection Unit, Child Helpline-1098, and Don Bosco Institute. Distinguished participants included District Child Welfare Committee President Vishwaradhya K. Ijeri, Women and Child Development Department Officer Shivasharanappa, and Don Bosco Institute Director Fr. Kuriakose. Presiding over the meeting, District Child Protection Officer Manjula V. Patil stressed the importance of seamless coordination between government and non-governmental organizations, comparing it to the parallel tracks of a railway system essential for a train’s safe journey, underscoring that such cooperation is vital for effective child protection.