In news- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is providing Tele-Counselling to children through SAMVEDNA – a Toll-Free Helpline.
More information-
- SAMVEDNA (Sensitizing Action on Mental Health Vulnerability through Emotional Development and Necessary Acceptance) was launched in September, 2020 to provide psycho-social mental support for Children affected during COVID-19 Pandemic.
- This service is exclusively for children who are willing to talk and are in need of counseling.
- When a child/ caretaker/Parent dials SAMVEDNA 1800-121-2830, they get to speak to a professional counselor in a safe environment.
- Counsellors have been specially trained by the expert team of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) to address the needs of children in these difficult times.
- Tele counselling is provided to the children under three categories:
- Children who are in Quarantine/isolation/COVID Care centers.
- Children who have COVID positive parents or family members and near ones.
- Children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19 Pandemic.
- This Tele-Counselling caters to the children from all over India in various regional languages.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights-
- NCPCR is an Indian statutory body established by the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
- It works under the aegis of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- The Commission began operational on 5 March 2007.
- As defined by the commission, a ‘child’ includes a person up to the age of 18 years.
- The commission consists of a chairperson, Six members, out of which at least two are women and are appointed by the Central Government.
- The functions of NCPCR are-
- Examine and review the safeguards provided by or under any law for the protection of child rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation;
- Present to be central government, annually reports upon working of those safeguards;
- Inquire into violation of child rights and recommend initiation of proceedings in such cases;
- Examine all factors that inhibit the enjoyment of rights of children affected by terrorism, communal violence, riots, natural disaster, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, exploitation, and recommend appropriate remedial measures;
- Look into the matters relating to the children in need of special care and protection including children in distress, marginalized and disadvantaged children;
- Undertake and promote research in the field of child rights;
- Spread child rights literacy among various section of society and promote awareness of the safeguards;
- The Commission shall not enquire into any matter which is pending before a State Commission or any other Commission duly constituted under any law for the time being in force.
Source: PIB
