NATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY

 

In the year 2008, the Ministry of Women and Child Development observed the first National Girl Child Day on 24^th January with an aim to highlight inequalities and gender discrimination issues faced by a girl child at various milestones in her life. Through this initiative, the Ministry endeavours to spread awareness about the rights of girl children, including the right to education, nutrition and health.

 The theme of the National Girl Child Day 2021 is to raise awareness about the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR). Across the country, several events were organised to commemorate this day. The  government also put emphasis on Beti Bachao Beti Badhao Scheme and several other schemes focusing on girl child empowerment on the national girl child day.

CHILDLINE 1098, India’s one and only emergency, 24-hour, toll-free helpline for children in distress has left no stone unturned to celebrate this day. Despite the pandemic, all the CHILDLINE partners across the country organised several events with all the COVID-19 protective and social distancing measures.

CHILDLINE plays an important role in the district level task force constituted for Beti Bachao Beti Badhao Scheme to advocate and create awareness among the community people. The teams represent at the district level during the meetings organised for Beti Bachao Beti Badhao scheme.

On the occasion of the girl child day, CHILDLINE Faridabad, Haryana organised an event and a meeting for children in Mirzapur slums. The children danced, created artworks including rangoli to celebrate the occasion. The CHILDLINE team motivated the children and distributed several prizes among them. In Jammu and Kashmir, CHILDLINE Anantnag organised a mass awareness event on the occasion where at least 45 girls along with the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme) workers, local village committee members participated. The CHILDLINE team spread awareness about the services of CHILDLINE 1098 and the importance of a girl child and issues faced by them. CHILDLINE Bundi, Rajasthan celebrated national girl child day with children from shelter homes and slum areas and conducted a meeting with police officers on child rights and child issues.

Across 25 districts of Telangana, CHILDLINE celebrated national girl child’s day on 24^th, 25^th and 26^th January 2021 through different activities and events. A total of 351 officials and stakeholders from allied departments including ICDS and Panchayat Raj along with 1326 children and 602 adults participated. CHILDLINE Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh organised a National Girl Child Day programme at a shelter home in a village. Through this programme, the team discussed the CHILDLINE 1098 services, the importance of girl child education and the disadvantages of child marriage.

In Maharashtra, CHILDLINE Dhule celebrated the national girl child day in a special abled girl’s shelter home. The chief guests of the programme guided the girls about the objectives and the importance of the girl’s rights and education. In Kolhapur, CHILDLINE celebrated the girl child day in Ingavale Mala, Kuchkovari with 36 children.

In West Bengal, almost all the districts celebrated the national girl child day with great pomp and splendour. CHILDLINE Alipurduar distributed winter clothes among the children. An open house programme was organised by CHILDLINE Darjeeling at a school in Kurseong. Railway CHILDLINE Asansol also conducted an open house programme with the nearby local children. In the CHILDLINE advisory board meeting of 2020-21 in Bishnupur, West Bengal, Beti Bacchao Beti Padhao campaign was flagged off, link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXc0SAPcl4k

 

CHILDLINE RESCUES A CHILD BEGGAR FROM THE STREETS

A local news channel telecasted a story of a 10-year-old girl Nayna (name changed to protect identity) from the location where she was begging. Upon receiving the news, CHILDLINE Guwahati, Assam contacted the reporter of the news channel for more details.  Next day, along with the reporter and Dispur Traffic Police Outpost officials went to the house of the girl for further enquiry.

Nayna was the student of 5^th Standard. Her mother worked as a domestic help in different households to meet their daily expenses.  However, the mother met with an accident and fractured her hand. Hence, she was unable to go to work. The lockdown had further worsened their situation as there was insufficient food at home. Therefore, the child started begging on the streets.

The officials from the Dispur Traffic out Post provided emergency relief to the family. CHILDLINE team ensured that her case will be looked into and she and her mother will be assisted with all the possible facilities. Meanwhile, CHILDLINE is trying to link Nayna with the sponsorship scheme under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS).

Child begging is the worst violation of child rights and absolutely against a child’s dignity. Therefore, all the state and civil authorities as well as the civil society to unite and end this menace forever.

If you come across any child begging on the streets, please do not hesitate to call CHILDLINE 1098 and report a case. 

VICTIMS OF CHILD LABOUR RESCUED AND REHABILITATED

 

CHILDLINE Faridabad, Haryana received information about children who were working as child labourers at a chicken and egg shop. However, on reaching the location, the team did not find any children. Upon following up with the caller, the team learnt that the children came to work only in the night. The caller also shared photographic evidence. When CHILDLINE visited again, the team found three children aged 14 to 17 years working at the shop.

During the counselling session, CHILDLINE learnt that the children were school dropouts. An FIR was registered against their employer under the JJ Act and then they were presented before the CWC (Child Welfare Committee). The CWC ordered that they undergo a medical test and be given temporary shelter at Karm Marg. The next day, the children were handed over to their parents, who were also counselled.

Children engaged in child labour are deprived of dignity and childhood. Such children are unable to go to school often remain illiterate for the rest of their lives. Child labour is harmful to their overall development and mental health.

Therefore, if you come across a child engaged in child labour please do not hesitate to call CHILDLINE 1098.

CHILDLINE JOINS A COVERT OPERATION TO RESCUE A 14-YEAR OLD FROM THE TRAFFICKERS

 

Thane CHILDLINE, Maharashtra received a call from Mission Mukti for assistance to rescue a 14 year-old girl confined at a warehouse in Thane district. CHILDLINE shared all the documents received from Mission Mukti with CWC (Child Welfare Committee), DCPU (District Child Protection Unit) and Sr. Police Inspector of the local police station.  The same evening, NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) contacted CHILDLINE and confirmed the case of trafficking and sought assistance in the joint rescue operation conducted by the NCPCR and Mission Mukti. The NCPCR also shared the case details with CWC and DWCD (Department of Women and Child Development).  CHILDLINE was requested to coordinate with the CWC. 

The joint team of CHILDLINE, Mission Mukti and DCPO met the Sr. police Inspector at the police station to draw up a rescue plan. One senior officer and three Women Police Constables were assigned to join the rescue operation team. The team split into two groups and approached the location of the girl. After combing the area, the girl was found near the gate and taken into custody. The trafficker’s father who was also taken into custody summoned his son on to come to the Labour Camp on the phone. All of them were taken to the police station. 

The girl's statement was recorded at the police station. She revealed that the trafficker had brought her from West Bengal and married her. The CWC was informed about the girl’s rescue over the phone and as per their directions, she was admitted to the Amche Ghar, Shelter Home for girls. Then, the girl was presented before the CWC and is presently staying at the Shelter Home. The accused has been handed over to the West Bengal Police for further action.  The case is still going on.   

Child trafficking is one of the worst forms of modern-day slavery and child abuse. Each year, thousands of children are tricked, persuaded or forced to leave their homes and put their lives at risk in the worst and unimaginable ways. The victims are kept in inhuman conditions and forced into heinous and criminal activities.   

As a society, we need to come together to end this menace and safeguard the future of our children. Please call CHILDLINE 1098, if you come across a case of child trafficking.

CHILDLINE AND CYBER POLICE WORK TOGETHER ON OPERATION P-HUNT

 

A 26-year-old man was caught by the Cyber Police as part of Operation P-Hunt, a covert operation to nab people involved in child pornography. Many photos of children were recovered from his phone, and it also came to light that he was sexually abusing his niece, a young girl of 9 years. The police approached CHILDLINE Trivandrum, Kerala and requested support in counselling the child, as she was scared to talk to the police.

Upon counselling the child, CHILDLINE learnt that her uncle used to harass her when her mother and sister were not at home. He would also accompany her on the pretext of visiting the dentist and abuse her. He also went on to blackmail the child, stating that he would get caught by the police if she revealed what was happening. CHILDLINE also provided emotional support and guidance to the child and prepared her for the case proceedings.

The police also expressed their gratitude to the CHILDLINE team for their child-friendly approach and professionalism. Child pornography is one of the major detrimental side-effects of the development of digital technology. It has become a serious problem worldwide. Kerala police launched a covert surveillance operation P-hunt to curb this menace. Under this initiative, the police have arrested people involved in sharing and posting of child pornography.

Currently, Kerala police are monitoring the digital viewing and sharing of pornographic material round the clock and have reported an alarming rise of this heinous activity.

CHILDLINE PROTECTS AND SUPPORTS A MINOR VICTIM OF ABUSE

On 15^th June 2020, CHILDLINE Rourkela, Odisha, placed a 13-year old girl, Radha (name changed to protect identity) in a shelter home on the orders of Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Radha was rescued from the market place by the Biramitra police station where she was roaming aimlessly. She was kept under the custody of the medical officer at the Biramitrapur Community Health Center (CHC) since she was not feeling well and required medical attention. 

On further counseling, Radha revealed some startling details. She had undergone an abortion the previous night. She also mentioned that earlier the Biramitrapur police station officers had tried to admit her at the CHC. As the counseling session progressed further, CHILDLINE realized that the police along with the doctors had violated the MTP Act (Medical Termination Of Pregnancy Act, 1971). They all had given false information to the CWC.   

The local newspaper covered this case on 21^st June 2020. Next day, CWC recorded the statement of the child. As per orders from the CWC, the local DCPO (District Child Protection Officer) filed an FIR against six people including two police personnel and a medical officer of the CHC in the Biramitrapur area. Subsequently, the officer in-charge was suspended and his statement was recorded on 26^th June 2020. 

After getting all the necessary information, CHILDLINE immediately removed the child from the CHC and restored her with the open shelter. On the orders of the DGP (Director General of Police), the inspector was dismissed from the duty for sexually abusing a 13-year old girl for a period of four months and later forcefully terminating her pregnancy without informing the District Child Welfare Committee. CHILDLINE is providing emotional support, guidance and counseling to help Radha recover from the trauma. 

The DGP shared updates of the case on social media and apologized to the girl on social media.
If you come across any child in distress or trouble, please do not hesitate to call CHILDLINE on 1098.

CHILDLINE INTERVENES AND HELPS MINOR VICTIM OF ABUSE

On 15^th May 2020, CHILDLINE Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir received a call from the neighbor of the victim of child sexual abuse to report a case. He informed that the 17-year old victim was speech impaired and had been sexually abused by her cousin. CHILDLINE immediately verified the details of the case and visited the victim’s house.

CHILDLINE met the victim’s brother to get more information about the case. The brother said that his sister was closely associated with the cousin due to which the girl got pregnant.  He also mentioned that their family had registered a complaint at the nearby police station.

On the same day, CHILDLINE visited the concerned police station to gain more information about the case. The police informed that the girl had fled and she is to be produced and her statement is yet to be recorded. When CHILDLINE asked the father about the girl’s whereabouts, he claimed to be unaware.

The Sarpanch and the local administration bodies were approached who helped find the girl. Since the girl was speech impaired, the police expressed their difficulty in recording the statement. The police requested CHILDLINE to arrange for a sign language interpreter who could help record the girl’s statement.

Simultaneously, CHILDLINE arranged for the interpreter and produced the child before the district magistrate. The girl’s statement was recorded by the sessions judge, with the help of an interpreter. The accused was taken in the police custody. All the local authorities appreciated CHILDLINE for their help and timely intervention. Furthermore, the sessions judge assured of complete support and help for the girl. Currently, the case is sub-judice and intervention is ongoing.

Child Sexual Abuse is a heinous crime committed against children. Please do not hesitate to call CHILDLINE 1098, if you come across a victim of abuse. 

 

LIFE SAVING SUPPORT FOR A NEW BORN DURING LOCK DOWN

 

During the lock down, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, each and every individual must be vigilant and careful. However, in the case of pregnant women or women who have just delivered a baby with complications, needs to be extra careful and reach out to the right authorities for the necessary precautions and care.

On 4^th May 2020, CHILDLINE Kochi, Kerala received a call from a father reporting about his 10-day old new born baby’s need for immediate medical support. The baby was born at a general hospital in Ernakulum. Due to breathing problems, the baby was put on a ventilator and referred to Lakshmi hospital. As per the medical report, the baby was suffering from breathing problems coupled with a neurological condition and bleeding in the head.  The child was suffering with hydrocephalus and was in a very critical condition.  For urgent medical intervention the child was taken from Lakshmi Hospital, Ernakulum to Kottayam Medical College (KMC), Kottayam.

The parents also requested for help in settling bills at Lakshmi Hospital, before the discharge. CHILDLINE informed the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Chairperson. On the same day, CHILDLINE coordinated for all the necessary services and transferred the baby to KMC. In this case, CHILDLINE received unconditional support from IMA (Indian Medical Association) Kochi Chapter and NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) for providing the ambulance and medics to transfer the child to KMC.

On 5^th May 2020, CHILDLINE paid the bills at Lakshmi Hospital. Two members from the CHILDLINE team accompanied the baby, medics and paramedics to KMC. On 8^th May 2020, the father informed CHILDLINE about the gradual progress of the baby who has begun the natural process of breast feeding. The baby doesn’t require surgery, however, will need physiotherapy. The family thanked CHILDLINE for the timely intervention and support.

A CALL CAN CHANGE A LIFE

As a part of the field action project, Ms Jeroo Billimoria, a then professor at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) would regularly interact with children living on railway stations and night shelters. Slowly, the children started calling her at any given time of day and night, when faced with crises. She would willingly answer their calls and help them.

Over some time, she realized that it would not be possible to respond to hundreds of children each day. After much deliberations and discussions, the idea of CHILDLINE 1098 was born - a single point of contact who would help children in their hour of need and afterwards. In the inception year itself, CHILDLINE clocked in 6000 calls.

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Today, CHILDLINE receives nearly 25000 calls daily about children in need of care and protection. In the year 2018-2019 CHILDLINE received around 9 million calls.

Role of CHILDLINE in protecting children

v  When a child or a concerned adult call CHILDLINE 1098, the call is immediately routed to one of the six CHILDLINE Contact Centre (CCC) – a state-of-art facility with contemporary BPO facility.

v   If the CHILDLINE Contact Officer (CCO) receives a call for intervention, then the case is transferred to the relevant intervention unit.

v  A CHILDLINE worker from the intervention unit rushes to the aid of the child within 60 minutes of receiving the call.

v  As per the standard operating protocol, the child is produced before CHILD Welfare Committee (CWC).

v  Based on the CWC’s directions, the child is referred to the appropriate organization for care and rehabilitation.

v  CHILDLINE follows up until the child is in safe custody, either with the family or child welfare institution.

CHILDLINE intervenes to prevent a wide range of issues affecting children such as child labour, child marriage, child sexual abuse & violence, missing children, runaway children, homelessness, health and education, children in conflict with the law etc.

Currently, CHILDLINE services are present in 564+ districts and 125+ railway stations to ensure that timely help is provided to every child in distress.

CHILDLINE works in association with multiple stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, corporates and community to ensure that child protection becomes everyone’s mandate.

WHEN CHILDHOOD BECOMES A TIGHT ROPE WALK....

Funambulism or walking on a tight rope or wire is a common circus activity in many countries. The Funambulists train for years to balance themselves on a tight rope. In most countries, skilled adult artists perform in a circus equipped with adequate safety measures.

But in India, children as young as 5 years old are trained to walk on a tight rope tied on poles roadside often without sufficient safety measures.

In 2011, the Supreme Court banned circus activities like performing high wire stunts and juggling for children under the age of 14.  The Supreme Court also directed the Government to rescue children engaged in such activities and rehabilitate them. Despite the ban, children are engaged in such activities.

CHILDLINE received a call from a concerned adult on 1098 informing about a 5-year-old girl walking on the rope and performing dangerous stunts near the railway crossing, Mukthiyar Ganj, Satna, Madhya Pradesh.  The girl’s family was begging for money from people who gathered to see the activity.

On the basis of the information given by the caller, the local intervention unit rushed to the spot. The CHILDLINE team found that the entire family was engaged in rope circus activity. They informed the Child Welfare Committee and the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) who ordered the CHILDLINE team to rescue the child as soon as possible. 

CHILDLINE brought the child and her family to the CHILDLINE office. During the counselling, the child revealed that she has been doing such stunts since last one year. The team produced the child and her family before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

The CWC members counselled the family. The chairperson of the CWC warned the family members of legal consequences if the child is found again working and performing dangerous stunts. The family assured CWC that they will take care of the child and enroll her in the school. The local police made arrangements for the child and her family to travel to their native place, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.

After a couple of months, CHILDLINE visited the child’s native place. But the child was not there. CHILDLINE does not have any idea about the whereabouts of the child or her family. The team sincerely hopes that the child is in a school and is not working or performing dangerous stunts.

If you come across any child being forced to work or perform any dangerous circus activity, please do not turn a blind eye. Immediately, call 1098 and report the matter.

Disclaimer:  Names and details have been changed to maintain confidentiality as required. 

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT: A CRIME THAT CAN SCAR A CHILDHOOD FOREVER

In our Indian culture, a teacher or a “guru” holds a highly revered position. Teachers play a very important role in raising responsible children. They can transform the lives of their students with the magic of their teaching. A teacher can be regarded as the builder of a good nation.

But what happens when a teacher whom students look up to engages in unfair and harsh means of discipline while teaching? There are a large number of teachers in India who resort to corporal punishment to discipline their students.

The committee on the Rights of Child in the General Comment No.8 defines ‘corporal” or “physical” punishment as “any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain and discomfort. The non-physical forms of corporal punishment include belittling and humiliating the child, especially in front of the class.”

Corporal punishment is rampant in our country. Most children do not complain and tend to suffer silently. Students who have been abused by their teachers are most likely to drop out of schools. Prolonged abuse fragments their confidence and scars their lives forever.

In the case of Radha, 16, who faced severe abuse by teachers, has not only affected her mental health but has also injured her hand severely. Radha, resident of Kolkata was studying in Saraswati Devi International Boarding School in Bankura, West Bengal. Her parents are separated. She and her father do not have any contact with the mother after her remarriage.

One day, Radha’s father called CHILDLINE 1098 and informed that she was beaten up by her school teacher, school warden and the son of the school chairman. She was beaten up so badly that her right hand got fractured. She needed immediate medical help, but the school authorities did not help her at all. Her father arrived and took her to the Bankura Sadar Hospital for treatment.

CHILDLINE filed an FIR on the same day at the Bankura Sadar Police Station. The case has also been registered with the Human Rights Commission and they are counselling the child. The accused are currently out on bail. Radha is extremely scarred and worried whether she will be able to appear for her upcoming board exams. Currently, she is living with her father in Kolkata. She will be going to school only to appear for her board exams.

There are many children like Radha who are suffering in isolation. Their self-esteem is being destroyed every day and they don’t know whom or how to ask for help. You can help such children get justice. All you have to do is pay attention to the signs, listen to what children have to say, then pick up the phone and dial 1098….

Disclaimer:  Names and details have been changed to maintain confidentiality as required. 

A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED

Child marriage is a social evil that continues to plague our society even today. The children who get married at an early age, especially the girls, feel isolated and helpless with limited freedom. It is a widespread human rights violation that robs their childhood forever.

 In India, child marriage is a complex problem. It is deeply rooted in patriarchy. Child brides are stuck in the vicious circle of poverty due to lack of education and earning opportunities. Their health suffers because of underage and complicated pregnancies.  The consequences of child marriage are drastic and not only limit the progress of children but also of the overall society

Even though strict laws are criminalizing the practice of child marriage, we have not had much success to curb this problem. CHILDLINE 1098 is leaving no stone unturned to help eradicate child marriage. It is India’s only 24-hour free emergency phone outreach service for children in need of care and protection.

With the help CHILDLINE 1098, Raji, 16, convinced her parents to stop her marriage. Raji hailed from Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. She had just completed her SSLC and her parents did not allow her to study any further. She often expressed her desire to study further to her friend Rathi who listened to her woes but was helpless.  Raji’s parents were planning her wedding. She vehemently opposed her marriage but her parents continued with the arrangements. Raji shared her grief with her friend Rathi who informed CHILDLINE 1098. Rathi had learnt about CHILDLINE during an awareness session in her school.

 CHILDLINE along with the local police and an Anganwadi worker immediately rushed to the rescue of the child. They gave ESG (Emotional Support and Guidance) to the child and counselled the parents. The CHILDLINE team explained the consequences of child marriage and laws against child marriage to the parents.  Eventually, Raji’s parents gave in and called off her wedding. They also gave a written statement that they will not organize her wedding until she is 18 years of age.

Thus, a friend in need is a friend indeed. If Raji’s friend Rathi had not informed CHILDLINE, Raji would have been stuck in a vicious circle of child marriage. You too can be a responsible friend like Rathi and help stop child marriage. All you have to do call 1098 for an immediate intervention to protect childhood.

Disclaimer:  Names and details have been changed to maintain confidentiality as required. 

CHILDLINE Delhi & action plan for abolition of Child Labour

*Sumit Kumar

Growing urbanisation has brought a larger number of migrant populations from Northern States and other parts of countries to Delhi. Delhi in last two decades has changed significantly in terms of infrastructure development and civic amenities. This has also attracted a larger number of children for coming to Delhi in hope of getting good job and to earn money.

It has been conservatively estimated by Government that around 1 lakh children working at different location in Delhi but the estimate by civil society organisation is about 5 lakh children working in various hazardous jobs across the state. While rescue and rehabilitation of these children are extremely difficult as it need involvement of various stakeholders in the rescue operation.

Child Labour profile in Delhi is of two types (NCPCR 2010)

(i) Out-of-school children living with their parents and

(ii) Children who have come from other States without their families

Hence, the Delhi Action Plan for total abolition of child labour would have two strategies. The first strategy is an ‘area-based approach’ for elimination of child labour. Under this strategy, all children in the age group 6-14 years in an identified area will be covered, whether they are in school or out-of-school. All out-of-school children would be regarded as engaged in some form of work and being deprived of their right to education. Children in schools are to be monitored so that they do not drop out and join the labour pool.

According to the estimate (NCPCR 2010), Delhi has 28319471 children in the age group 6 to 13 years, of whom 2747523 are school going and 43735 (3.34%) are out-of-school. The survey conducted by Samajika Suvidha Sangam (Mission Convergence Directorate) found that out of 643315 children in the age group 7-17 years of where 450402 of them are not in schools. According to Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the number of out-of-school children in the age group 6-14 years in North West District was 7219 (whereas the door-to-door survey conducted by NCPCR in 9 slums of Jahangirpuri was 2929.

Perhaps this discrepancy in data is due to the fact that names of children who are out-of-school and school dropouts may be continuing in the attendance registers as enrolled. All such out-of-school children are to be considered as child labourers or potential child labourers who would sooner or later join the labour pool.

Under this background, an affidavit has been submitted by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) before the Delhi High Court seeking directions to Government authorities on the issue of child labour. Informing the court that rescued children were not being properly rehabilitated, the NCPCR, in its affidavit, stated, "There is no guarantee that all rescued child labourers have been successfully restored to their families in the source states. This is evident from a study of 22 rescued child labourers in which the families of three are not traceable and the addresses of four children were wrong."

The affidavit was filed to inform the Court about the steps taken by the government after a slew of directions were given by the high court for the rescue and rehabilitation of child labourers in the city. The high court had, in 2009, passed a detailed order which modified the existing provisions for better rehabilitation of child labourers. It had given Delhi Police extra powers, which were earlier with the labour department, to effectively eradicate the problem.

       

The Commission proposed an ‘area-based approach’ to be initiated as a pilot in the North-West district. The action plan for abolition of child labour formulated by NCPCR was accepted by Honorable High Court. The Court has issued an order dated July 15, 2009 with a clear role and responsibility of different allied system and helping them in areas of convergence.

The action plan has helped CHILDLINE team immensely to identify, plan and conduct rescue across Delhi. It has also helped in restoration and rehabilitation of these children through ensuring the role of state government in concerned states.

In last two years, CHILDLINE Delhi rescued more than 500 children. In the year 2010-2011, CHILDLINE 1098 received 696 cases reporting child labour at different locations. While the judgment has developed a way forward in case of child labour it has also left various question unanswered. The judgment directs the Government of Delhi to create various structures like to address the issue of child labour in district and state level.

In light of the judgment, the District Level Task Force was formed to handle Child labour cases and CHILDLINE is a regular participant sharing its concern about child labour. CHILDLINE participation in these forums has also steered various important discussions. In the last two years CHILDLINE have received most difficult cases with complexity involved in it. The team has developed a cohesive relationship with district administration for handling cases of labour.

Though the District Level Committee has been formed but the State Level Steering Committee on Child labour is still not exists. In absence of the said committee at state level it has not been possible to take forward unresolved issues for redressal at the district level. CHILDLINE Delhi witnessed an average delay more than a month in each rescue cases. Most difficult situation arise when child labourer is physical abused and CHILDLINE has to conduct the rescue on urgency without labour department which has been questioned by Department of Labour and Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

The quality of First Information Report (FIR) filed was also questionable as it does not include requisite section and law as per the merit of case which makes the case weaker during prosecution. Filing of First Information Report (FIR) has been also been an issue of concern as the Action Plan mandates the Police to file FIR in cases of Child labour under specific section of JJ Act, CLPRA, and IPC.

CHILDLINE data on child labour rescue shows that FIRs have been filed in less than 40% cases of Child Labour and bonded child labour apart from relevant section of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2000 and Indian Penal Code, 1860. In all cases of Child Labour received by CHILDLINE more than 90% children were from other states and were trafficked by agents for labour to Delhi. As a process FIR should also include the name of traffickers who have brought these children. There definitely has to be punitive action against the traffickers.

Implementation of the Judgment, M C Mehta Vs State of Tamil Nadu and Others: The greatest challenge at present is the implementation of the judgment. The child labour welfare funds were constituted after the judgments but mechanisms to provide relief and compensation to the survivors of child labour has yet not been operationalised.Children are being rescued and restored but the amount received as recovery from the employer as well as the government share of Rs 5000 per child going to this fund is not contributing in any way to the rehabilitation of the child.

Delhi Action Plan on abolition of child labour exhibits specific role and responsibility of labour, Police, NGOs and WCD department which includes filling of challans, specific sections and acts of different laws and coordination mechanisms. It is crucial that there is a need to organise regular training with these stakeholders which includes better role clarity, experience. Instead of all these exercises CHILDLINE Delhi is still fighting hard with administration for conducting rescue for more than 120 cases alone pending in South Delhi.

Sumit Kumar is currently working as Programme Coordinator with North Regional Resource Centre (NRRC), CIF

Making a Difference!

Urvi Wani*

As a law student I had to study various legal systems such as the Indian criminal law, juvenile justice law, etc and the laws I read with particular reference to children always troubled me, they troubled me not because these systems were bad but because they were incomplete. A legal system must ideally provide not only punitive and remedial measures but also preventive and deterrent measures. Some such measures are provided in our laws but they don’t go a long way that is when I had heard of The CHILDLINE  India Foundation’s program on Child Sexual Abuse Awareness volunteer recruitment drive, I immediately signed up to do my bit (as small as that may be) to change the status of children in India.

This program primarily focused on the preventive aspects of child sexual abuse, by creating awareness amongst young children by giving them age appropriate information. As a Volunteer I would be given the adequate training and assigned a certain number of schools wherein I would be conducting the workshops.

As one of the guinea pigs( I say Guiea Pigs because it was the very first time both for the organisation and me, and being the first timer always has its share of  testing times)  being the  very first batch of the volunteers I think we were lucky. Like a fresh slate with no scratches, our training workshops were unsoiled with no predisposed notions on the part of the participants or the speakers. Everybody was relying on their gut instinct. It was a varied experience with lectures from experts in every field related to Child Sexual Abuse, such a law, police, mental health, medicine, etc. The practical sessions on story telling were fantastic and most enjoyable! Who would have thought that a room full of adults could actually enjoy the experience of storytelling and role playing so much?!

I have never been in a classroom except as a student. That being said, I was extremely confident about conducting the workshops. I had read my material over a dozen times and had practiced voice modulations in front of a mirror and made funny faces at children on my morning jogs as an experiment to see which ones they reacted to! So when I showed up at the doors of my assigned  school on that   pleasant  february morning, it was surge of emotions I was excited,  anxious, confident , This was a great school to start with, the principle was inviting and the PTA members present and hospitable (excessively !). The story telling workshop with the younger children (std 2, 3 & 4) was wonderful! They had look at you with their eyes brimming with innocence and limitless interest. But my little bubble burst when the older ones (std 5 & 6) showed up. Getting them to sit in their seats was a mammoth task in itself! Thankfully once the story telling session began, they gradually calmed down. I don’t think I have ever been asked more difficult questions in my life, not even in the numerous oral exams I have had given in the 18 years of education.  They were so curious and they would connect random thoughts at lightning speed. And God Forbid they catch you if you make a mistake … phew !!! But trust me the experience was so addictively exciting!

Many other schools and workshops followed, a pattern began to grow. Anxious teachers wondering if this was a Sex Education workshop, an inquisitive child hoping this was a Sex Education workshop. There is this one particular incident that truly stands out. During a hot humid week in July I was conducting these workshops in one of the schools. At the end of my fourth day, a member of the CHILDLINE team called me and said she needed to tell something about a call she got in regards to my workshops of that day and then the phone line got disconnected. I was extremely nervous and even a little scared while I tried to call her back to no avail… Did I use a word I shouldn’t have? Did I say something I shouldn’t have? Did I forget something important?! I finally got back on line with her and she told me a mother had called the CHILDLINE office and my heart sunk! I knew I was in trouble, big trouble.

She then went on to tell me that the mother had heard about the workshop being conducted from her child who even narrated the stories to her. I was just about to blurt out a string of apologies when the CHILDLINE team member said that the mother was thrilled and extremely grateful that we had handled such a sensitive topic with such care. Words fall short of describing the feeling …. The parent was happy, the CHILDLINE team was happy and I was ecstatic!

This journey of ten schools of every demographic has really given me incredible insight into schools in our city and how much a school influences a child’s overall development, and what makes a good school.

Thank You CHILDLINE!

*Urvi Wani, a 24- year- old lawyer is a volunteer for the CSA Awareness program in Mumbai.

Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Program in Schools

* By Trishla Jasani  * 

CIF has launched Mumbai’s largest initiative in the CSA Awareness space. The program aims to reach 1000 schools, 1 million children and their families within the next year. The program, supported by funding from HDFC, is carried forward by trained lady volunteers, each of whom is allotted a list of schools to complete according to her area and language preference.

Volunteers are required to go through an intensive 2-3 day training program in the beginning of the program, comprising of knowledge and skills component and also a session which trains them to deliver the program on safe and unsafe touch in an age appropriate manner.

The school program is in no way a Sex Education Course, rather uses a simple story telling method in schools to introduce children to the concepts of safe and unsafe touch, and what to do if they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation i.e Personal Safety Rules. 

 After registering via filling out the required details in our registration form, either on the website or manually, prospective volunteers will be called for a 1 hour orientation session to the CIF office at Grant Road. Here, the volunteers will clear their doubts and get more familiarized with the program. This interaction also provided as the basis for which the team may select volunteers. . After this, all those selected will need to sign a Commitment Document at the time of confirmation.


In this section, Trishla Jasani* outlines a step by step process of completing workshops in Schools. This article will act as your guide/checklist in the field and will make sure you do not forget any vital component of the program in each school. 

Step 1: Contact and meet with the principal of the school.


From the list you will be given in the field kits start contacting your schools and setting up appointments to meet with principals. At times principals will not give you an actual appointment but will suggest you come to the school during their office hours. Also some schools have separate primary and secondary school principals. You will have to meet with both of them in order to get permission for the various classes. Remember: For your first meeting in each school contact the CHILDLINE CSA Project Team and we will send one person to come with you. Hand over a copy of the authorisation letter given to you by CIF and obtain a formal permission from the principal. The formal permission is important. During your meeting with the Principal and while getting formal permission let the principal know of all components of the program, i.e. the stories, the labels, the letter to parents and the posters. Be complete upfront so that there is no confusion or problem later. 

Step 2: Use the Planner


Use the Planner provided to mark out time for each class and each division (2nd to 6th). Also make sure you plan for parent/teacher sessions if you have been requested to do so by the principal prior to the classroom sessions. 

Step 3: 


a. Conducting the Sessions in Classes


 During the sessions you will need the following items - This handbook - The Flipchart (English, Hindi or Marathi depending on the medium of the school) - 1 Label Sheet per child in class - 1 Letter to Parents per child in class (English, Hindi or Marathi depending on the language spoken at home) Follow the instructions given in the Appendices, tell the story and hand out the labels. At the end of the session hand out one pre-stuck inland letter to each child and ask him/her to write their name and hand it to parents/guardian when they get home. Remember: Thank the children for their time and for listening 


b. Conducted Parent Teacher Sessions 


A complete module of information you need to cover in a parent/teacher session has been included in, in three languages. In addition to this information feel free to talk about the stories (classes 2nd to 6th), flipcharts and labels. Also let parents know they will receive an informational letter regarding the same through their children. Keep some letters on hand if parents ask for it at the session.

Step 4: Put up posters


 Once all sessions in each division and class are complete in a particular school, approach the principal once more about posting the posters if she/he has not done so already. 

Step 5: Get the Principal to Sign Off 


Once all sessions in each division and class are complete in a particular school, approach the principal with this handbook and ask him/her to sign in the demarcated column in the Planner 

Step 6: Report to CHILDLINE CSA Team


Note: CIF is providing you will all the materials you require. The CSA Project Team will be maintaining a record of all materials handed over to volunteers. When you run out of letters/labels/posters please contact the CSA Project Team to organise for more. Please give us at least a week’s notice so that we have time to print if necessary. At the end of your one year period please return all materials to the CIF Office. 

These include:

• Flipcharts (All that were assigned to you)
• Extra Labels
• Extra Letter to Parents
• Extra Posters

Read more about CSA program here


Click Here to Register for CSA program. 


* Trishla Jasani  was a Consultant Program Coordinator at CHILDLINE India Foundation.