Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of a rise in the number of cases of abuse and violence against children, the Kerala State Child Welfare Council (KSCWC) has decided to open a monitor-protection cell in every district to help children in trouble. The decision was taken following the attack on a seven-year-old boy in Thodupuzha - who is battling for life on a ventilator. According to the council authorities, this is just one among the many cases being reported in the state. The cell will provide legal, financial aid and protection for children.
According to statistics, around 4,008 crime cases were reported in the state in 2018 against children which is very high compared to previous years. In 2017, the number of cases registered was 3,543 and in 2016 it was around 2,881.
Kerala State Council for Child Welfare general secretary Deepak S.P. said that many cases are coming up. He recollected an incident where the council had to intervene to save a 15-year-old from child marriage. "This 10th standard student shared this to her teacher and principal that her family is planning to marry her off to a 42-year-old man. The school authorities informed us and we intervened with police assistance and sheltered the child at her class teacher's home," said Mr Deepak.
He recalled another incident where the illicit partner of the mother tried to kill the son by pushing him into a water tank. "Bad things happen to children who are orphaned or doesn't have legal parents. Children are getting abused within their household. And we should consider this as a social issue. Somebody close to the family, neighbour or friends are aware of the abuses happening to the child but they stay silent until something bad happens," Mr Deepak added.
The monitoring and protection cell to be formed by the KSCWC will have members including district collector, Rural SP, district child welfare committee and child protection officer. "This is a social issue and public should call the toll free number - 1517 - and inform if they come across any such abuses happening," he said.
Boy still on ventilator support
DC Correspondent
Kottayam, April 1
The seven-year-old boy brutally assaulted by his mother's friend remains in an extremely critical state at the Kolenchery Medical College Hospital.
His brain is not responding to medicines, and he is entirely on ventilator support taking liquid food through a nasal tube.
On Monday morning Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the child at the hospital and consulted with the doctors treating him.
His mother's friend Arun Anand had allegedly broken his skull.
Doctors said there were no neurological functions for the past three days.
They are continuing the same treatment.
Earlier on Saturday a three-member medical board from the neurosurgery department of the Kottayam Medical College Hospital visited him and suggested continuing the ventilator support.
Meanwhile, a court sent Arun Anand for two weeks in judicial custody and lodged at the Sub Jail Muttom, near Thodupuzha.
The police said Arun Anand was also charged under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act ( POSCO) for a sexually harassing the child.
