Mangaluru: Deputy commissioner Darshan HV has directed officials to treat cases of missing children with utmost seriousness and ensure prompt action without delay. Chairing the District Child Welfare and Protection Committee meeting held at the DC’s office on Monday, he said in the past one year, 86 cases of missing children have been registered in various police stations in the district, of which 79 children have been traced. He directed officials to give greater focus to ensure that missing children are traced at the earliest.The DC noted that 2,581 children are currently studying in 69 child care institutions in the district, including orphanages, special child care centres and registered under the Juvenile Justice Act. He also directed that the child helpline number 1098, must be prominently displayed in all schools in the district. All complaints received through the helpline should be treated seriously, and 763 cases were received by the helpline in the past year.Noting the increasing number of nurseries, baby-sitting centres and pre-schools in the district, the DC directed the department of public instruction to frame necessary regulations for their supervision and registration. He also directed the SP to coordinate with railway police, as a large number of runaway children are being traced at railway stations.Officials from the labour department informed that regular inspections are being conducted to ensure no child labour is employed in hotels and shops. It was also informed that cases have been registered against 92 establishments for violations, and fines amounting to Rs 3.1 lakh have been collected in 49 cases.Officials said that under various welfare schemes, financial assistance has been provided to beneficiaries. As many as 34 Pocso victims received assistance of Rs 1.7 lakh from April. At present, 20 children are in two adoption centres in the district, and 199 children have been given in adoption from these centres since 2010.Under the sponsorship scheme, orphaned children, single-parent children and children of prisoners are being provided Rs 4,000 per month, benefiting 1,035 children up to March, officials said.Children below 18 years affected by HIV/AIDS are receiving Rs 2,000 per month under a special care scheme. Children who lost both parents due to Covid-19 are receiving Rs 3,500 per month under the Chief Minister Bal Seva Yojana. There are 11 such beneficiaries in the district, of whom seven have completed 18 years of age.Additional deputy commissioner Raju K, District Legal Services Authority member secretary Zaibunnisa and additional superintendent of police Anil Kumar were present.
