Six-month course on child psychology, friendly corners soon

The programme was aimed at officials of various government departments, including Revenue, Health, Social Welfare and Social Defence, Labour and Education departments, as protection of child rights is a commitment of the state. MP Nirmala, Chairperson, Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TNSCPCR), said that children (both in need of care and protection as well as in conflict with law) should not be viewed as the children of the Social Defence Department, but that of the state. 

“Efforts should be taken to empower them, ensuring that their human rights and dignity offer them a chance to change and regular follow ups are important,” she added. Conducted by TNSCPCR and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the programme was inaugurated by Justice Indira Banerjee, Chief Justice, Madras High Court, who stressed on the need for a sensitive, child-centric policy to deal with children, who come from harsh backgrounds. 

Justice Manikumar S, Judge, Madras High Court and Chairperson, Juvenile Justice Committee, said, “These children lack emotional connection and the bond with the society. A systematic study and analysis is needed to understand the psychology of these children. A six-month certificate course will be launched soon at Madras University, where judicial and police officials can enrol and gain knowledge on this subject.” Speaking on the occasion, TK Rajendran, DGP, said that the state police has been on the forefront of implementing the policies. “Child friendly corners in police stations will be set up,” he added.