Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh has emphasised the need for stronger coordination among law enforcement and child welfare agencies to make the city safer for children.
Speaking at a one-day capacity-building workshop on the protection of child rights, Singh urged officials to work together with child welfare organisations and institutions to strengthen systems that safeguard children.
Focus on coordinated child protection
The workshop was organised jointly by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the Home Department, and the District Child Protection Unit at Vikas Soudha.
Addressing participants, Singh highlighted the importance of collaboration between child welfare police officers, district child protection units, child welfare committees, juvenile justice boards and non-governmental organisations.
He said coordinated efforts among these stakeholders would help ensure better protection mechanisms for children across the city.
Training for police personnel
The police commissioner said the workshop would help police personnel gain a deeper understanding of child protection laws and procedures.
Such training programmes, he noted, are essential to ensure that officers respond effectively and sensitively to cases involving children.
Singh also pointed out that incidents reported through the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) helpline 112 have reduced by around nine per cent, describing it as a positive development.
Emphasis on documentation and timely action
Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Shashidhar Koshonje, stressed the importance of maintaining proper documentation in cases involving children.
He urged police officials to ensure that records of child-related complaints are accurately maintained and that victims receive timely support and justice.
Experts discuss legal and welfare frameworks
The workshop featured several resource persons who spoke about legal provisions and responsibilities related to child protection.
Among those addressing the participants were Dr Janardhan N from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Anjali Ramanna, founder of Asthitva Legal Trust, advocate Dr Biju Thomas, and Khushi Kushalappa of Eco Special Home and director of Enfold Proactive Health Trust.
Senior police officials and district child protection officers, including Leena Allanavar, Meenakshi S Kabedi, Nagaveni Y and Asha H K, were also present at the event.
The workshop aimed to strengthen awareness among police personnel and stakeholders about child protection mechanisms and their responsibilities in ensuring children’s safety and well-being.