Various measures taken to safeguard child rights in J&K: Omar

During a meeting with NCPCR Chairperson Shanta Sinha here, Omar said state's social welfare department is running different schemes with Central assistance for welfare of children, women, destitute and the needy.

He also informed Sinha that the government is working on a comprehensive construction plan to shift state-owned health and educational institutions from rented buildings to their own accommodations.

"This will help in providing conducive atmosphere in schools for imparting education to the students and upgrading sanitation and other facilities," the chief minister said.

During the meeting, Omar asked Sinha to identify areas where the commission and the state government can jointly work for the welfare and upliftment of children, with a focused attention on physically challenged.

Sinha, while presenting the resume of her meetings with district administration in Kupwara and Baramulla, expressed satisfaction over the progress on various child schemes.

On the occasion, commissioner secretary of social welfare department informed that four regional centres are being established in Kupwara, Doda, Udhampur and Anantnag to give pace to the child development programmes in these districts.

Government has established 29 Bal Ashrams in the state, besides two Swadhar Shelter Homes run by social welfare board for orphans, he said, adding that rehabilitation councils for militancy affected children have also been established.

Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo and other senior officers were also present in the meeting besides officials of NCPCR.