Kozhikode: The much-awaited department for women and children, which was promised in the LDF manifesto and also in the Governor’s address to the Assembly, may become a reality soon with all the stakeholders supporting the move. It has been felt for long that the social justice department should be bifurcated as it is overburdened. The government had assigned Mr V.K. Jithendran, special officer, to hold consultations with service organisations, staff of the social justice department and activists and they have given the go-ahead for the proposal.
“The complex part is bifurcating the SJ department, assets, employees etc,” said Mr Jithendran, former SJ department director. An exclusive department will give more focus on women and children, he added.The design and the expenditure of the prospective department were yet to be finalised, Mr Jithendran said and added that he would submit his recommendation to the government next month.
Mr Naseer Chaliyam, member, state commission for protection of child rights (KeSCPCR), said that it would bring about more attention and care for the needy and positively change the perception in society. According to Mr Anvar Karakkattil, coordinator, Malappuram district Childline, “the data reveals that abuse against women and children is on the rise. The task cannot be completed by the booking of perpetrators. Rehabilitation of the victims is vital which can be accomplished under an exclusive department,” he said.
