New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said that the government is committed to bringing children out of begging and connecting them with education, skills and a dignified life.

Chairing a meeting of the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), the Chief Minister directed the commission to strengthen the campaign to end begging by children in the city through public participation, an official statement said.

She said non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations (CSOs) and resident welfare associations (RWAs) should be brought on board to expand the campaign’s reach to children at the local level.

The meeting was attended by DCPCR chairman O.P. Vyas, members of the commission and senior officials.

Giving the highest priority to child safety, the Chief Minister suggested that awareness campaigns on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act should be made a continuous activity.

She stressed the need to ensure mandatory police verification of school staff as well as school bus and van drivers, attendants and sanitation workers, so that there is no scope for negligence on children’s safety.

The Chief Minister directed that detailed information on the future of children living in child care institutions (CCIs) be prepared.

She asked the Commission to prepare and submit to her office a list of children living in after-care facilities. The list should include details such as the child’s name, age, concerned institution, duration of stay, education and qualifications, and skills acquired, she said.

CM Rekha Gupta said it was not enough to merely provide shelter to children leaving these institutions. It was necessary to connect them with education, skills and employment and help them become self-reliant. She also said work could be undertaken to provide autos to interested girls and e-rickshaws to boys through the Transport Department, enabling them to begin a dignified livelihood.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed the Commission to inspect the arrangements for mid-day meals prepared by cooks in schools and the nutritious food provided to children at anganwadi centres during National Nutrition Month.

She said any shortcomings found at any level should be reported immediately.

The meeting also discussed preparing reports through interns to review the facilities at anganwadi centres and palna centres, as well as the behaviour of anganwadi workers towards children there.

The Chief Minister also suggested promoting career guidance arrangements for students in government and municipal schools.

–IANS

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