GURGAON: With child safety and protection mechanisms under scrutiny, Haryana state commission for protection of child rights chairperson Tripti Haripal Sheoran on Friday inspected arrangements at a school, Gurgaon railway station and Bhondsi district jail, focusing on POCSO compliance, protection of vulnerable children and facilities for children living with their mothers in jail.At GAV International School in Sector 89, Sheoran held an awareness programme on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for principals, heads and POCSO nodal officers of government senior and high schools in the district.District education officer Capt Indu Bokan and CDPO Munish Kumari were also present.Officials and school representatives were briefed on identifying sexual abuse and harassment, mandatory reporting of offences and the responsibilities of school management and teachers.The commission stressed that complaints involving children must be handled sensitively, with the child’s safety given priority.The session also covered confidentiality of the child’s identity and case-related information, coordination with police and the Special Juvenile Police Unit when required, and providing necessary support to children.The commission emphasised creating a safe school environment where children can report problems without hesitation.The commission team also visited Tulsi Healthcare in Sector 64 and Rishikulam Gurukul Vidyapeeth in Sector 37C.At Gurgaon railway station, the commission reviewed arrangements for children found alone, distressed or otherwise vulnerable at the station.Officials explained the procedures for identifying such children, providing them a safe place and connecting them with child protection agencies and other relevant departments.The chairperson also visited Bhondsi district jail and reviewed facilities for children staying with their mothers.The review covered their education, healthcare, nutrition, safety and opportunities to maintain family contact.Jail authorities also briefed the commission about arrangements for the children’s daily needs and their overall care.The inspection was part of Sheoran’s two-day Gurgaon visit to assess child protection mechanisms at institutions and public places.
