Child safety panel is mandatory in schools: Karnataka CM

BANGALORE: Every school in Karnataka must constitute a child safety committee, chief minister Siddaramaiah said here on Friday.
The increasing incidence of violence against children and women found mention in the CM's speech at the Independence Day parade organized at Manekshaw Parade Ground. He called for a "societal movement" to safeguard the interests of the affected.
"Be it a private or a government school, the institute is responsible for the safety of children till they leave its premises.Child safety committee is a must in schools to prevent sexual abuse. School managements have been told to check the antecedents of the candidates before recruiting them," he said.
Terming the attacks "a dangerous trend", the CM said such cases cannot be controlled by the government or through stricter laws. "There is a need for society to join hands with the government."
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi's remarks that women should be able to walk about without fear on the roads even at midnight in his dream India, Siddaramaiah said his government is committed to ensuring a safe Karnataka.
The CM said an expert committee headed by former minister M C Nanaiah has been set up to study existing laws related to atrocities and recommend various aspects, including punishment.
Apart from the 10 special courts for speedy disposal of cases related to atrocities on women, he said special centres for women would be set up at all 30 district hospitals and five major hospitals in Bangalore. The centres will provide medical, legal and financial assistance to targeted women. A children's fund with Rs 25 lakh would be created to provide emergency relief to victimized children, he added.
On administrative reforms, the CM made a subtle reference to KPSC recruitment 2011, which he scrapped recently. "Even when investigations have indicated irregularities in recruitments and decisions are taken on such findings, some vested interests are trying to stoke emotions. This needs to be recognized by the public," he said.