PHAGWARA: In a significant step toward strengthening child rights at the district level, Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (PSCPCR) Vice Chairperson, Gunjeet Ruchi Bawa, held meetings today with Kapurthala Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal and Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora.
During her interaction with the Deputy Commissioner, Bawa emphasized the need to empower District Child Protection Units and Child Welfare Committees, while expanding their scope of work. The discussion also covered pressing issues including the prevention of child labour, anti-human trafficking measures, education for out-of-school children, and ensuring access to healthcare and nutritious food for all children in the district.
The Vice Chairperson also highlighted the importance of organizing Bal Sabhas (children’s assemblies) in schools and launching awareness campaigns to educate children about their rights. She stressed the need for collaborative efforts between the Labour Department and law enforcement agencies to curb child marriages.
In her meeting with SSP Gaurav Toora, Bawa reviewed the effective implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act. She urged police officials to adopt more proactive approaches to tackle cybercrimes against children.
Highlighting the growing threat of substance abuse among minors, she called for robust and impactful awareness drives to safeguard children from the harmful effects of drugs.
DSP Special Crime Jasbir Singh and District Program Officer Rajeev Dhanda were also present during the deliberations.
Caption: PSCPCR Vice Chairperson Gunjeet Ruchi Bawa in discussion with SSP Gaurav Toora in Kapurthala.