Maharashtra: Task Force At District Level To Protect Children Whose Parents Died Of COVID19
Mumbai, 11th May 2021: The state government has decided to set up a task force at the district level under the chairmanship of the district collector to take necessary measures for the protection and upbringing of the children who have lost both their parents due to Covid-19 disease. A notification in this regard has been issued by the Department of Women and Child Development.
Given the current state of coronavirus infection and the increase in the number of Covid-19 infected people and deaths, it is having a serious impact on children’s lives. In some cases, the death of both parents due to Covid-19 has caused serious problems for orphaned children. Since there is no one to take care of these children, they are more likely to fall victim to child abuse or child labour, or child trafficking.
In a review meeting held by the Supreme Court’s Juvenile Justice Committee (JJ Committee) on child care and protection, it was directed to form a task force at the district level to address issues related to child safety and other issues.
As per this directive, it has been decided to form a task force at the district level. The task force, headed by the Collector, consists of Municipal Commissioner, Commissioner of Police, Superintendent of Police (Rural), Secretary of District Legal Services Authority, Chairman of District Child Welfare Committee, District Surgeon, District Health Officer, District Information Officer. The Child Protection Officer will act as the coordinator. Also, the District Women and Child Development Officer will be the Secretary of this task force.
The committee also directed to showcase the Child Helpline no. 1098 and information boards in all the hospitals so that people can give information on this number.
