Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights Chairperson Saraswathi Rangasamy on Friday held an in-camera enquiry with two minor girls admitted in homes for care and protection after they were sexually abused, and assured them assistance.
Ms. Saraswathi, who assumed office as Chairperson of the Commission on January 18, met a 15-year-old girl, who is six months pregnant after she was sexually abused by her neighbour, and a 12-year-old girl, who was subjected to sexual abuse by a 37-year-old and 72-year-old men, and listened to their woes.
Child Welfare Committee (CWC) woman-member and women officials from Social Welfare and Health Departments were present during the more-than-a-hour long enquiry. The two girls were rescued by the CWC with the assistance of the district administration and the police and presently admitted in homes.
Ms. Saraswathi later told reporters that the Commission would recommend compensation to the two girls and the quantum would be decided by the Chief Minister. She also asked the Collector to recommend separately for assistance under the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Later, accompanied by Collector V. Rajaraman, Superintendent of Police C. Sakthivel, Chief Educational Officer (CEO) and other officials, she visited the Government Girls Higher Secondary School and Justin Matriculation School and inspected toilet and other facilities for the students.
She also enquired with the headmistress about the implementation of 25 per cent of reservation to poor children under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act.
She suggested that heads of all schools in the State must place complaint boxes in their schools to enable the students to complain about sexual harassment without revealing their identity.
She said the complaint boxes should be opened once a month in the presence of Chief Educational Officer and CWC members, and the CEO should send a report to the Commission every month.
