Share information on orphaned children: NCPCR to states
The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) wrote to states and union territories on Monday, urging them to inform child protection authorities about children who have lost both parents due to COVID-19. The letter was written by the NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo to the Chief Secretaries of the states. Here are more details.
Many NGOs are advertising about children who have become orphaned
"The commission has been made aware of instances where it has been seen that many NGOs are advertising about the children who have become orphans after losing both their parents to COVID-19," the letter said.
Juvenile Justice Act provides for the procedure to be followed
The letter said, "In such a sad situation, situations are arising where the child has lost both its parents or is found to be abandoned." "It may be noted that the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 provides for the procedure to be followed for children who have lost their family support and have become a child in need of care and protection," it added.
Information about orphaned children must be shared with authorities
"The procedure under the JJ Act, 2015 ensures that children are provided all the minimum standards of care and their rights are upheld and protected," Kanoongo said. "Therefore, it is of utmost importance that these children must be produced before the child protection authorities of the district, and information about these children must be shared with the authorities," he wrote.
Any information about such children should be shared on 1098
"These children must be produced before the Child Welfare Committee as per section 31 of the Act," the commission said. It also pointed out that every individual, entity, organization, or NGO needs to ensure that any information received about orphaned and abandoned children during these COVID-19 times is shared on the helpline 1098.
Information can be shared with the respective state commissions
The letter read, "It is requested that if any information for these children is received by any entity, organization, NGO then the same can be also be informed to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights either through email or through telephone for assistance and help to the children." "This information can also be shared with the respective state commissions," it added.
