Officials told FIRs quickly to those who are involved in the marriage activities of children

Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum Chairman of a progress review meeting at her office in Kalaburagi on Wednesday. | Photocredit: Arun Kulkarni

Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum has commissioned civil servants to immediately submit first information reports (FIRs) and to take legal steps against those involved in child marriages in the Kalaburagi district.

Mrs. Taranum was chairman of a progress review meeting at her office at her office and dedicated all the authorities involved to register matters related to the protection of children against sexual offenses (POCSO) and the child’s marriage without surrendering to any political influence.

Officers said the meeting that 43 cases of child marriage were reported in various Taluks between January and April 2025. Civil servants also told the meeting about the details of every case.

Regarding the POCSO law cases that were registered in the city in the same period, the deputy commissioner sought updates from the police and looked for proactive steps to be taken to curb such incidents.

Civil servants reported 12 POCSO ACT matters that are being investigated in the city with charges that have already been submitted to the court by the police.

Mrs. Taranum emphasized the importance of POCSO ACT – Awareness workshops in government and private schools and colleges to help students understand the law and prevent offenses with minors.

658 cases

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) district told the meeting that it dealt with 658 cases between January and April 2025. These include cases with regard to the marriage of children, sexual abuse, running away children, child labor, beggar, orphans and children of single parents.

The officers added that children from 2024 to April 2025 (1098 and 112) received 237 calls, all of whom were immediately attended.

Mrs. Taranum emphasized that information about the children should be prominently displayed in all educational institutions.

Adoptions, Covid hit

Officer said the meeting that as part of the adoption program 2024-25 11 children-five boys and six girls are placed at adoptive families via the online system of the government available at Cara.gov.in. Three of these adoptions concerned girls who were placed with international families.

Special attention was drawn to orphans who were affected by COVID-19. Children who have lost both parents and are now under the care of family members receive support under the Baal Seva Yojana from the Chief Minister, with eligible children receiving £ 3,500 per month through direct transfer (DBT).

Two of the children are currently benefiting from the scheme and those who complete class 10 below will also be provided with laptops for higher education.

The meeting assessed the functioning of childcare institutions run by the government that were registered under the Juvenile Justice Act. NGOs were instructed to guarantee basic facilities and immediately report any problems to the authorities.

Mrs. Taranum called for a collective approach and encouraged officials, elected representatives and the public to work together to increase awareness and prevent violations of children’s rights.

Senior Civil Court and Secretary of the Legal Services Authority Srinivas Navale district emphasized the need for the police to respond quickly to public complaints and to guarantee justice through responsibility and integrity.

The meeting was attended by Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhanwar Singh Meena, municipal commissioner Avinash Shinde, police officer Chandrashekar, RCH Officer Sidramappa Patil, Women’s and Children’s Welfare Adjunct -Adunct -Director Rathoders and Different.