YAMUNANAGAR / PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

The District Child Protection Unit, Yamunanagar, organised a comprehensive public awareness campaign on child protection services and various schemes being implemented under Mission Vatsalya during the Sakhi Teej Haat.

The awareness initiative was conducted under the guidance of District Programme Officer Mishka Ranga, with the objective of taking information about child rights, child safety and government-supported protection services directly to members of the public.

An awareness stall was established at the Teej Haat, where a large number of visitors were provided information about Mission Vatsalya and the various schemes and services available for children requiring care, protection and support.

The initiative was designed to make people more familiar with the child protection system and encourage them to ensure that eligible children and families receive the benefits and assistance available through government programmes.

Ranjan Sharma, Legal Officer, District Child Protection Unit, along with Gurpreet Singh and Lalita Dutta, remained present at the awareness stall and interacted with visitors throughout the programme.

They explained the various schemes being implemented under Mission Vatsalya and provided information about child protection services available through the district-level child protection mechanism.

The team also used pamphlets, booklets and standees to communicate information in an accessible manner. Visitors were encouraged to understand the rights of children and the responsibilities of families and society in ensuring their safety and well-being.

The officials emphasised that protecting children is a collective responsibility and that government schemes and child protection services can be effective only when people are aware of them and know how to approach the appropriate authorities when assistance is required.

Visitors were also encouraged to contact the concerned department and child protection system whenever they encounter a problem involving a child or when a child requires protection, care or support.

Speaking about the initiative, Ranjan Sharma said the purpose of setting up awareness stalls at major public events is to ensure that information about Mission Vatsalya reaches as many people as possible.

He said that awareness is an important first step in ensuring that children who need assistance receive timely protection and support.

According to Sharma, people can play an important role in identifying children who may require support and connecting them with the appropriate government services.

The awareness campaign also focused on the importance of ensuring that children are able to grow up in a safe and supportive environment.

During the event, Haryana Cabinet Minister Shyam Singh Rana and Yamunanagar Deputy Commissioner Preeti also visited the awareness stall.

On the occasion, Ranjan Sharma, Gurpreet Singh and Lalita Dutta briefed the dignitaries about the various schemes being implemented under Mission Vatsalya and the work being undertaken by the District Child Protection Unit in Yamunanagar.

The officials explained the objectives of the awareness initiative and the role of the district child protection mechanism in connecting children and families with available support services.

The visit also provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of strengthening public awareness about child rights and protection mechanisms.

A large number of visitors to the Sakhi Teej Haat showed interest in the information being provided at the stall. People sought details about Mission Vatsalya schemes and raised questions regarding child protection services.

The members of the District Child Protection Unit responded to their queries and provided information about the relevant services and mechanisms available to assist children and families.

The awareness material distributed at the stall was also intended to encourage visitors to share information about child protection schemes with other members of their communities.

Officials said that reaching people through public events can help bridge the information gap between government welfare programmes and families who may require assistance.

The District Child Protection Unit said its initiative was focused on increasing awareness about child rights, creating a safer environment for children and connecting vulnerable children and families with government welfare schemes.

The Sakhi Teej Haat provided an opportunity to reach a diverse cross-section of the community in a single public setting, thereby helping the Mission Vatsalya message reach a wider audience.

The campaign also highlighted the importance of community participation in child protection. Officials said that government agencies alone cannot ensure the safety and well-being of every child without active cooperation from families, communities and citizens.

The initiative reinforced the message that awareness about child rights should extend beyond formal government offices and reach people in public spaces where they can easily access information.

The District Child Protection Unit said similar awareness activities would continue so that more people become familiar with the services available for children requiring care and protection.

The department’s broader objective is to ensure that eligible children are connected with appropriate schemes and services without unnecessary delay.

The campaign concluded with the message: “Every child’s safety, every child’s right and a better future for every child.”

The District Child Protection Unit said it would continue taking forward awareness initiatives with this objective and work towards strengthening community participation in child protection across Yamunanagar.

POD/DESK