The State government has planned to create a database of children in the State in an effort to monitor their growth and development. The department has allocated Rs. 13.34 lakh for developing the database.
Under the Social Welfare Department’s programme called Reach Every Child and Protect (RECAP), the State government proposes to create a network of children going to Anganwadi, government and aided schools, dropouts, centres under the Juvenile Justice Board, observation homes, centres for rehabilitation of former child labourers besides shelters run by organisations funded by the State government.
The government also plans to increase surveillance at shelter homes for children run by various wings of the department. Surveillance cameras will be installed in homes run by the department and those funded by it.
ADVERTISEMENT
A department official said the database would help to track the missing child and bring it back to school. “The aim is that a child should not be left alone but be cared for,” he said. The installation of cameras was part of the norms laid down by the Juvenile Justice Act.
As many as 434 integrated child development scheme offices will be provided with broadband services at a cost of Rs. 53.93 lakh.
The department has allocated Rs. 85 lakh for installing cameras in the homes run for children. The aim is to cover the homes run by various departments – including the Social Welfare Commissionerate, the women and children’s homes, government homes in various districts, homes for girl children, and the homes run by the Department of Social Defence.
ADVERTISEMENT
In an effort to prevent suicides, the government has proposed to train 100 counsellors who would counsel students three months before and after exams to help them achieve their goals. The department has allocated Rs. 22.40 lakh for the purpose.
Surveillance cameras to be installed in homes run by Social Welfare Department and those funded by it