Sunday, 02 July 2023 | Pioneer Interview
A prominent medical practitioner, Dr Geeta Khanna was appointed as the Chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) in January 2022 by the government. In the last one and half years, she has actively dealt with the issues concerned with the children. In an interaction with Purnima Bisht and Mansi Bhambri of The Pioneer, she listed many prominent issues concerned with the children and her priorities.
What are the issues which are important for the children in the State?
In the State, the vital issue common among many children is stress. I have personally encountered many situations where it was claimed that the children have stressed out because of the studies. They are also under pressure to excel in their studies and it is seen in which they want to make their career years before they can even complete their school education. However, I believe that parents are the most common driving force of stress among children.
What is the biggest challenge SCPCR has to face to tackle children related issues?
Slow administrative procedure is one of the main challenges faced by the commission. Since the commission is a monitoring and advisory body and not an executive one, we have to wait for the execution of orders by other bodies concerned. It often takes a long time for other bodies to respond except the police which mostly work proactively in such matters.
Substance abuse is rising among children. What commission is doing to tackle this issue?
Many cases of substance abuse among children are coming to our notice. To tackle such issues the commission organises awareness programmes in all the districts of the State. Apart from this, we have asked the schools to set up groups of children that analyze and identify the children involved in substance abuse in the school. The parents need to be sensitive in the matters of substance abuse. Lack of communication from parents is the major factor which encourages the children to take drugs. The parents need to talk to the children and make them aware about the harmful effects of drugs.
Young Students still have to carry heavy bags to the school. Are you planning to reduce this burden from the shoulders of children?
Recently I held an inspection in a school in Rishikesh, where I found that the students of the prominent school were carrying overweight bags. Again I would say it is the responsibility of the parents to check the weight of their school bags as they can ask the children to carry the books as per the time table. Nowadays parents don’t bother about the weight of the school bags as everyone wants his/ her child to be a topper. Regarding this matter, the commission performs timely inspections in the schools, along with providing them with guidelines to which they adhere to follow.
What action has so far taken by the commission on issues like child labourers, and child beggars?
In my tenure, I have personally encountered many cases of child labour, and child begging. But all I can say in most of the cases there is no organised gang or mafia involved. Parents are the driving force behind child begging and child labour in most of the cases in the State. Some parents send their own children to beg or to work to earn money to support them. The commission oversees such matters and directs the child welfare committee (CWC) to act accordingly. CWC and district task force are some necessary bodies who look up the care and protection of children in such cases.
It is alleged that Religious conversion of children takes place in many orphanages in various districts. Is the commission aware of it? What is it doing to resolve it?
Yes, the commission is aware of such cases. Most of these cases are found in sub-urban areas of some districts which are usually run by some NGOs or private organisations. Since we are a monitoring and advisory body, we take cognisance of such issues and ask the authorities concerned to take action. There is a decline in the number of such cases recently as now the organisations have to go through a strict verification process.
Is the commission also working to preserve the rights of Transgender children?
I have not observed or received any complaints regarding the violation of transgender children’s rights. Also, the perceptions of society and parents have changed about transgender.
The Congress members often allege that you are being driven by the agenda of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). What are your thoughts about it?
My work as a chairperson of a constitutional body does not get affected by whether or not I am driven by the agenda of RSS. Everyone is allowed to have faith and belief in certain ideologies irrespective of their field of work. I never discriminate while working for children’s welfare. I will always work with dignity as an SCPCR head.
