AGARTALA, July 1(TIWN): A state level, day long workshop on Integrated Child protection Scheme (ICPS) was organized by Social Education Department held at pragna Bhawan on Wednesday. Minister Bijita Nath for Social Welfare and Social education department, D. Darlong Director for Social Welfare and Social education department, D.M.Jamatia Secretary, Law department, M. Nagaraju, secretary for Health and family welfare along with other dignitaries remained present in the program.

Addressing the workshop on Integrated Child protection Scheme (ICPS) at Pragna Bhawan  on Wednesday Minister Bijita Nath said that like other states, violence against the children has also raised in Tripura; safety and security of the children in Tripura are at risk.

The Minister further said that though the crime against children is rising day by day but initiatives should be taken to assure safe and secured stay of children in Tripura. Speaking at the seminar she also stressed on the point that, it has come to notice that some couple adopt children after filling all the necessary documents but it is seen that after a mere gap of 3 to 4 months the couple again returns the child to the house which is very pathetic. This process should be banned and action should be taken against such couples.  In some other instance, some couple adopt children and treat the children as maid servants of the family which thereby raises the crime against the children.  Police personnel needs to be much more aware regarding the protection of the children in the state, said Minister.

Speaking at the seminar the other dignitaries also said that the scheme should aim to provide a safe and secure environment for overall development of the children in need of care and protection and children in conflict with law. Stressing at the role of ICPS, the dignitaries also said that it should look forward in providing children with a protection and safe environment to develop and flourish. The purpose of the scheme is also to provide support for the children in difficult circumstances, as well as to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities children have in various situations and actions that lead to abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment and separation of children, said dignitaries at the seminar.

The dignitaries at seminar also said that ICPS is a centrally sponsored scheme that should aim to bring together multiple existing child protection schemes of the Ministry under one comprehensive umbrella, and integrates additional interventions for protecting children and preventing harm. ICPS, therefore, would institutionalize essential services and strengthen structures, enhance capacities at all levels, create data base and knowledge base for child protection services, strengthen child protection at family and community level, ensure appropriate inter-sectoral response at all levels.

The seminar further discussed on the issues like role of Child Welfare Committee, monitoring of ICPS and on-line entry regarding child tracking system, and others.