GUWAHATI, Aug 20 - Assam has become the first State in India to take holistic action for protection of children from trafficking and related crimes, as the State government has announced a number of initiatives for the protection of children from trafficking through placement agencies, protection from child marriage and Child Labour. This was stated by the Kailash Satyarthi Children�s Foundation (KSCF) in a press release.
The State government has also decided to conduct a survey in consultation with the Kailash Satyarthi Children�s Foundation and the UNICEF and partner with the Foundation for rehabilitation and welfare of trafficked children. According to the press statement issued by the KSCF, Gogoi has also directed the government machinery to put in place strict rules and regulations for strict vigilance over placement agencies and their activities.
The Chief Minister has also directed formulation of strategy to prevent exploitation of children by parents.�
The KSCF, in the press statement, thanked the Assam government for taking prompt action on the suggestions of Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, whom he met recently in Guwahati.
The KSCF will be working closely with the office of Chief Minister on the initiatives announced.
Nobel Peace laureate Satyarthi had met Tarun Gogoi in July this year and had sought his urgent support in curbing the high incidence of child trafficking and abuse in Assam.
�I commend the Assam government and Tarun Gogoi for the active support against child trafficking and child abuse. The menace of unregulated placement agencies leading to child trafficking needed urgent attention and through this announcement the Assam government has set an example for other States combating violence against children. The KSCF will ensure complete support to the government in this endeavour,� the Nobel laureate, who is also the KSCF founder, stated.
In a meeting held on August 17, Chief Minister Gogoi directed the departments concerned to formulate strict deterrents to stop child and women trafficking, unlawful employment of children through placement agencies, stopping child marriages and other crimes related to women and children.
