Mysore/Mysuru: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. K.V. Rajendra has called upon concerned authorities to ensure effective and proper implementation of Child Adoption Plans in the district.

He was speaking at the progress review meeting of the District Child Protection Cell and other Child Committees at his office here on Monday.

Noting that there are many children up for adoption in the district, Dr. Rajendra said that similarly, there are many parents and other adults who are ready for child adoption.

Stressing on the need for ensuring a permanent shelter and livelihood for such children, he underlined the responsibilities of Child Protection Cell and other concerned  groups in the protection of rights of children.

Expressing concern that there is a possibility of children getting  affected from their HIV positive parents, the DC said that top priority must be given for identifying such vulnerable children and get them tested and treated properly.

Pointing out that such families must be given a monthly financial assistance of Rs. 1,000, he said that the names of the dead  must be dropped from the list, which must be revised periodically.

Referring to child marriages, the DC said that rural areas are more prone to child marriages and this is because of poverty and lack of education. Stating that the officials must keep a constant watch on school dropouts, he said that a follow up of such children will help in preventing child or under-age marriages.

Underlining the responsibilities of Anganwadi and ASHA Workers in detection and prevention of child marriages, Dr. Rajendra called upon the officials to be in touch with such workers for keeping a tab on child marriages.

Continuing, the DC said that as per available statistics, 699 children have dropped out of schools in the district. He asked the officials to trace the parents of such children and try to get the dropouts back in schools. Emphasising on the need for giving an opportunity for children to enjoy their childhood just like the privileged ones, he said that at the same time it is important to protect child rights.

Asking the officials to chalk out programmes for making the district child labour free this year, the DC instructed the Labour Department staff to track child labourers and rescue them.

Stating that the district is an important tourist destination and several children are found begging for alms from tourists at many spots, he directed the officials to hold counselling for such children and free them from beggary.

Senior Civil Judge Devaraj Bhute, who is also the Member-Secretary of District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Zilla Panchayat (ZP) CEO K.M. Gayathri, District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. K.H. Prasad, District Child Protection Officer Basavaraju and others were present.