National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has come up with the idea to publish the 24 hours helpline number 1098 for children that will work as their protection and a grievance cell. The initiative has been taken the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) on the recommendation of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD).
NCERT informs students about 24*7 children helpline numbers
The notification regarding the same has been published in all the academic books of the classes six to twelve that are used by over 26 crore students of the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) schools. Approximately, 15 lakh students are affiliated under CBSE which follows NCERT curriculum and study material. Apart from the telephone helpline number, the WCD Minister, Maneka Gandhi has also requested the HRD to make Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) e-box functional as soon as possible.
In her conversation with the HRD minister, Prakash Javadekar, Maneka Gandhi had also requested for the screening of films on the subjects like child sexual abuse so that they can be educated and sensitized. The published notification about the helpline number and the POCSO e- box is certainly, expected to bring in change in the mindset of the students and also in the curriculum of the schools making schools and other educational institutions a safer place for children.
Reason for introducing helpline number & POCSO e-box
The reason behind publishing the helpline number and POCSO e-box notification in the NCERT books was to fulfill cause as they are largely read by the teachers, students and their parents across the country. Not only this, NCERT is also likely to introduce a lesson on child sexual abuse and how to protect oneself from this social menace. It is said that the helpline will be published on the back side of the front cover of the book.
The 24*7 children helpline and the POCSO e-box also informs students, their parents and teachers to remain agile and should report immediately in case of any suspicion.
Other than any sexual abuse, children can even report their complaints or seek professional help from the experts in the need for stress and anxiety. The helpline 1098 and the POCSO e-box are made reasonably accessible to the students of 6 to 12 to have more impact on younger minds. That’s why all NCERT books will have this number.
Also, schools are being directed to have a stricter procedure for hiring staff while making their complete verification mandatory for the safety of students on the campus as well as on the school bus.
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