Manch established at Govt School Khadkan to be exemplary: Vipul Ujwal
DC also inaugurates infant protection home (Panghura) in Govt Hospital
By Amrit Pal Singh Brar
Hoshiarpur, October 12:
"The first 'Balika Manch' of Punjab has been established at Hoshiarpur which would put a stop to domestic violence and also provide secure environment to the school going girls." This was disclosed by the Deputy Commissioner Mr. Vipul Ujwal during a visit to the Government Senior Secondary School, Khadkan on the eve of the establishment of 'Balika Manch'. He also said that this manch would prove to be a great platform for the all round development of girls as per the 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' scheme of the Women and Child Development Ministry. He exhorted the children to report any incident of domestic violence in their home to this 'manch'. He further said that this 'manch' would be an exemplary one.
The Deputy Commissioner also divulged that this path breaking initiative would be replicated at the other high and senior secondary schools of the district. He disclosed that only the girl students would be included in the manch whose convenor would be a teacher. Elaborating more, the Deputy Commissioner said that the officers and personnel of the Health, Education, Police, Women & Child Development departments would have direct contact with this manch. He gave a clarion call to the girls to look upon their teachers as role models and work very hard.
Mr. Vipul Ujwal said that the police and education departments would exhort the school girls to report the incidents of eve teasing without any fear and hesitation. Divulging more, he said that the police department should send its personnel in the plain clothes in schools and they must co-ordinate with the District Education Officers (DEOs) in making the girls aware about speaking against and bringing to light any incident involving eve teasing or passing of lewd remarks. He also emphasised that sometimes the girls are not able to speak out against such incidents so the onus is on the police and education departments to make the girls feel secure and safe
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner also inaugurated an Infant Protection Home (Panghura) at the Government Hospital, Hoshiarpur and said that no enquiry would be made in respect of anyone placing an orphaned child in the 'Panghura' which would prove to be a boon for orphaned children. He also added that such children would be sent to Nari Niketan after necessary medication and vaccination so as to ensure that the children are able to get a home after those interested in adopting them complete the required process.
Others present during the programme included Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mrs. Anupam Kler, District Programme Officer Dr. Kuldeep Singh, District Child Protection Officer Dr. Harpreet Kaur besides other officers.