SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Sept 24: The Dhanbad Child Rights groups have decided to establish a shelter room at Dhanbad Railway Station to provide protection and care for rescued children. The decision was taken during a coordination meeting of all agencies concerned with child welfare at the station. Officials also discussed ways to enhance child protection services and related facilities.
Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairman Uttam Mukherjee said the shelter room will accommodate rescued children round-the-clock under the supervision of the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF).
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Measures Against Child Exploitation
Mukherjee added that the Coordination Committee decided to file FIRs against parents or individuals who force children to beg. The railway authorities will also provide immediate medical assistance to rescued children, and the Child Helpline desk will be updated to ensure timely support.
Significant Role of Dhanbad Station in Rescue Operations
Dhanbad station plays a crucial role in child rescue operations. In the past six months, more than 100 children have been rescued in joint operations, including around 40 children liberated from human trafficking networks.
Most rescues involved children being transported on South Indian trains, hailing from districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. “We have also rescued minors trapped in various South Indian cities,” said Mukherjee.
Background of Rescued Children
The rescued children include those who had run away from home, children forced into begging, and those lured by human traffickers. The initiative aims to provide a safe environment and immediate support to prevent further exploitation.
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Participants in the Coordination Meeting
The meeting was attended by CWC chairperson Uttam Mukherjee, District Child Protection Officer Sadhana Kumari, CWC member Mamta Arora, Child Helpline Coordinator Smita Kumari, and other protection officers.
Representatives from the station management, GRP, RPF, Crime Intelligence Branch (CIB), and other railway departments were also present.
