A one-day sensitization workshop on ‘the role and responsibilities of the child protection structures- CWC, JJB & DCPU’ has been organized by Prayatn Sanstha on 25th August 2022 in Hotel Meraden Grand at Varanasi under Project ‘Sambal’ which is being implemented with the financial support of KNH (Kindernothilfe, Germany). The primary objective of the workshop was to articulate the understanding of the officials on the child protection-related laws and proper functioning.
The program was presided over by Mrs. Sneha Upadyay, Chairman of CWC (Child Welfare Committee), who insisted that that the teamwork of the Government, NGOs, and public child protection machinery together is important to moderate the child protection-related situations in Varanasi. She assured her support to link the maximum number of beneficiaries to the schemes of the government.
Later on Mrs. Nirupama Singh Rai, Child Protection Officer appreciated the efforts of Prayatn and assured full cooperation from the department to support the organization for the safeguarding of children. Subsequently, she ensured to promptly act upon the highlighted issue of the reluctance of a few Pradhans on the formation of the Child Protection Committees in their respective Panchayats.
Mr. Sudeer Kumar Singh, SHO of Anti Human Trafficking Unit, briefed the participants about amendments made in POCSO and Juvenile Justice and explained the structural functionality of the AHTU (Anti Human Trafficking Unit). He further expressed his gratitude to Prayatn for constantly working for the cause of child protection in the state. Labor Welfare Officer, Mr. R K Pandey, elaborated on the efforts of the department and ensured full support to eradicate child labor from the state through concerted approach with like-minded organizations.
While welcoming the officials, Mrs. Rajani Jain, Project Officerof Prayatn, shed light on the organization and the initiatives being undertaken for ensuring child rights and child protection in Varanasi. Subsequently, Mr. Sonu Gaur, Education Expert, also from Prayatn, briefed the participants about the objectives of the workshop and how the capacity building of members of DCPU (District Child Protection Unit), CWC (Child Welfare Committee) and JJB (Juvenile Justice Board) is essential for ensuring child protection in the district.
A total of 21 (09 male, 12 female) members participated in the workshop along with members of DCPU, AHTU, CWC, JJB, and the Labor Welfare department. From Prayatn Sanstha Mrs. Pooja Jaiswal (Sponsorship Coordinator), Mr. Dileep Kumar (Administrator), and Mr. Dinesh Kumar (Community Organizer) harmonized the entire program.