Punjab Governor for more schemes for welfare of children

Chandigarh, Sep 6 (UNI) Punjab Governor Gen (retd) S F Rodrigues has asked the state government to constitute a sub-committee for examining the financial state and procedures of various projects of the Child Welfare Council.

He also asked for the mobilisation of resources for enhancing services to the needy children and suggested the convening of district level meetings of the Council to give focused attention to child care.

These ciew were expressed by the Governor while chairing the meeting of the Child Welfare Council here today. The Governor is the Chairperson of the Council.

He called for upgrading the state and district level network and support system for child care. A series of initiatives were discussed, pertaining to improving the health status of children and their empowerment to make them good citizens.

General Rodrigues, in his opening remarks shared his deep concern and asked the members to actively involve themselves in the Child Care Programmes particularly for the disadvantaged. He said that various economic and social development plans existing in the system needed restructuring and combined and dedicated endeavour of all members of the Council at all levels, are essential for ensuring achieving this.

he called for innovative programmes to tackle the problems of child abuse, checking their exploitation and reduction in child and maternal mortality rate by institutionalising an effective mechanism. He said that the Chandigarh Administration had also planned to set up a Street Children Home, a home for crippled and handicapped children and also a center for mentally challenged children to suitably empower them. He offered collaboration and assistance from Chandigarh Administration for optimally utilising child welfare programmes.

He also called for a pro-active role to tackle the problem of drug addiction, female foeticide and empowerment of women.

Mrs Jean Rodrigues, wife of the Governor and Vice President of the Child Welfare Council while participating in the discussions called for gearing up the services of Child Welfare Counciland the District level bodies. She pleaded for improving the buildings and delivery services in Bal Bhawans and Red Cross Bhawans in various districts.

Ms Uma Ratra, Secretary of the Council while presenting agenda items in the meeting informed that with the committed and dedicated endeavours of the members, various welfare programmes for children are being vigorously pursued.

UNI