The social welfare department has issued a circular mandating the strict enforcement of the Karnataka Child Protection Policy to safeguard children living in residential schools and hostels under the department.

The directive aims to prevent all forms of exploitation, including sexual, physical, and mental abuse, and to provide safety to children living away from their families. The circular was issued Monday following a request by KT Thippeswamy, member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR).

Thippeswamy highlighted that implementing the child protection policy is mandatory in all educational institutions. However, the commission noticed that hostels run by the social welfare department had not adopted any child protection policies.

In response to the KSCPCR letter, the department instructed officials to ensure the protection of child rights and a safe environment in residential schools and hostels. The commissioner of the social welfare department directed officials to sensitise hostel and school staff on child protection measures, conduct regular monitoring, and create a safe environment for children. The circular also emphasised the need for grievance redressal mechanisms, counselling facilities, and awareness programmes to educate children about their rights and safety.

Officials are to conduct regular checks on drug abuse and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying of children in all its forms, whether physical or mental, motivated by personal characteristics including caste, race, national origin, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, physical attributes, socioeconomic status, or disability. Officials have been directed to submit regular compliance reports and take immediate action against any violations.

Child rights activists welcomed the govt move, noting that while most schools had adopted child protection policies, hostels had been lacking. Now, due to the circular, children in hostels will be safer, they said.

Child rights activist Nagasimha G Rao said children in hostels require protection and social security as they stay away from their families. Mandating the child protection policy in hostels is a welcome decision.

“This should not be limited to circular. The department should conduct surprise visits to check whether all hostels have adopted the child protection policy or not. The hostel staff should become child-friendly with knowledge about child rights,” said Rao.