Haroli/Una, October 19 (Rajveer Chopra):- On the directions of the District Child Protection Officer, Child Helpline 1098, Una district, conducted a special awareness campaign at Maa Chintpurni Temple during Navratri to prevent child begging and child labour. Child Helpline Coordinator Mrs Reena Kumari and Case Worker Mr Saurabh Kumar were present during the campaign.
During the campaign, the team inspected the temple premises, where some children were found begging. The team counselled the children on the spot and interacted with their parents to raise awareness about children's rights, the importance of education, and the need to keep children away from begging and child labour. The team informed the parents that providing education and proper care is essential to securing their children's future.
During the visit, the team also met Mr Sanjeev Prabhakar, an official of the temple premises. The meeting included detailed discussions on practical difficulties faced while performing duty during Navratri and the fair, the growing problem of child begging, and the measures required to prevent it effectively.
Special emphasis was laid on establishing better coordination among the concerned officials and departments to prevent incidents of children being made to beg within the temple premises. Effective efforts were also discussed to ensure children's safety during the fair, strengthen surveillance at sensitive locations, and identify children in need so that they could receive appropriate assistance.
