SRINAGAR: The two-day workshop for Sensitization/Training workshops for representatives of PRIs, ULBs, Police, and other stakeholders to strengthen the Child Protection System and Mechanism in the UT of Jammu Kashmir was opened by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The Women and Child Development Ministry of the Government of India is launching this campaign for the first time in the nation. The Lt. Governor thanked the Ministry of Women and Child Development in his speech and praised the Social Welfare Department for their creative plan to hold a training session for 15,000 people in 2023–2024. He claimed that the training programme is evidence of the university administration’s dedication to ensuring children have happy childhoods and a nurturing environment that allows them to reach their full potential. “Our children did not have the childhood they deserved for many years. They were misled by those who profit from armed conflict and were given stones. Our youngsters now carry laptops and tablets and are helping to create the country because we have destroyed that ecosystem, the Lt. Governor stated. The Lt. Governor stressed the importance of giving homes to youngsters living in institutions and on the streets while addressing the first session. The Lt. Governor stated, “I think institutional care should be the last resort because I think childhood develops in a lively setting of home. He claimed that the government has launched a number of initiatives for rehabilitation and child care, and that adoption is now being promoted through a partnership between the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA). The Lt. Governor also urged youth clubs, NGOs, seniors in the community, religious leaders, and public officials to join the fight against the drug epidemic. One of the main issues is adolescent drug misuse. We have a zero tolerance policy against drugs, and it is up to us all to spread the word and take more action to make J&K a drug-free state, he said.The Lt. Governor requested that the central government officials take into consideration opening a Vatsalya Sadan in both Jammu and Srinagar. Senior officers from the Central Government and the UT Administration were present, along with Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary J&K, Sanjeev Kumar Chadha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Indra Mallo, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department. PRIs and ULB members, police officers, resource people, Juvenile Justice Board representatives, judicial authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders were present for the opening session.
