Bengaluru: Women and child welfare minister Laxmi Hebbalkar Wednesday appealed to citizens to take a proactive role in preventing crimes against children, while insisting the state govt is committed to ensuring their safety. Her remarks came after BJP’s Y Bharat Shetty raised concern in the assembly over what he described as a “sharp rise” in kidnapping and sexual abuse cases involving children. He urged the govt to initiate effective measures to curb the menace. Following a written reply, Shetty said, “I sought details regarding cases of physical and sexual abuse against children. The minister has given a two-page reply explaining the laws and preventive steps being taken. However, there are serious issues in the implementation of these laws. The problem is that, irrespective of the party at the helm, cases of kidnapping and sexual abuse are increasing every year.” He demanded that information be compiled on predators, those arrested and convicted, and repeat offenders. “These issues sometimes take a communal turn as well. In religious institutions where there is single-person supervision, incidents of child abuse and sexual exploitation are increasing. The minister’s reply is ineffective,” he said. In reply, Hebbalkar said: “We have provided a comprehensive reply to the legislator… Action must be initiated against criminals irrespective of their background.” She added, “while elected representatives have responsibilities, every citizen of society also has a role to play.” She added: “We conduct extensive awareness campaigns in schools, hostels, and public places. Street plays are also being organised. For the past 45 days, radio has also been used to disseminate information on this issue.” Speaker UT Khader asked what more could be done, and Hebbalkar said, “On Nov 28 last year, the govt formed the Akka Force, which is now operational in all 31 districts. We have also launched the child helpline ‘1098’ which is available round the clock… The Akka Force helpline is 181, and the police department helpline is 112.” Shetty suggested mandatory CCTV in schools and a second supervisor in single-person-run institutions. Khader complimented Shetty for “constructive suggestions.”
