Renowned child rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi has embarked on a new initiative to eradicate child crime at the village level, in collaboration with multiple non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The campaign aims to raise awareness about child crimes and ensure strict actions against those involved.
In the initial phase, 300 villages in Meerut and Baghpat have been selected in association with the Janhit Foundation to participate in this noble endeavour.
Under the campaign, each village will establish a committee named Bal Mitra, comprising 15 individuals, including the village head, Anganwadi workers, and ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists).
This committee will have several crucial responsibilities, including preventing child marriages, curbing Child Labour, and combating child trafficking. The committee will closely monitor any crimes committed against children and educate them about toll-free helpline numbers for immediate assistance, said Anita Rana, director of Janhit Foundation.
Explaining the significance of the Bal Mitra committees, she said that these committees would play a vital role in the campaign, acting as the frontline DEFENCE against child crimes.