To maximize the impact of social safety nets and raise awareness around child-centric schemes for community members, Caritas India’s Khushaal Bachpan programme is holding workshops for people at various locations.

In this regard, a comprehensive one-day workshop aimed at the establishment of Panchayat Level Child Protection Committee (PLCPC) and fostering awareness about social security schemes unfolded on 09th January 2024. This event brought together a diverse group of 27 participants, including ward panchayat members, village head, sarpanch, panchayat secretary, educators from panchayat lower division clerk, and other socially conscious individuals.

The workshop commenced with a session introducing the attendees to the Khushaal Bachpan (KB) team, shedding light on its ongoing initiatives within the panchayat. Subsequently, Manish, the district programme associate of Udaipur, KB, focused on the discussion upon Child Rights. Attendees gained insight into the definition of a child and a comprehensive exploration of children’s rights. The discussion extended to the Integrated Child Development Scheme, District Child Protection Units, and Child Welfare Committees. The participants engaged in a detailed dialogue, enhancing their understanding of the responsibilities associated with child protection.

A vital aspect of the workshop was the revelation of the formation of the Panchayat Level Child Protection Committee. Attendees were briefed on the necessity of its formation, the number of members it comprises, individual member responsibilities, committee structure, meeting schedules, and agenda discussions. A collaborative effort among the participants resulted in the formulation of an action plan outlining future meetings, reporting mechanisms, and communication strategies.

The formation of a Panchayat Level Child Protection Committee (PLCPC) is crucial to safeguarding the well-being of children. This committee serves as a local mechanism to address and prevent child protection issues, ensuring a proactive approach within the community. With a structured framework, the PLCPC focuses on identifying and mitigating risks, coordinating responses to child protection concerns, and fostering a supportive environment. Through regular meetings, reporting mechanisms, and communication strategies, the committee becomes a dedicated force, actively engaged in promoting and enforcing child rights. Ultimately, the PLCPC acts as a guardian, nurturing a safer and more secure environment for the children in the community.

The second segment of the workshop, led by Chandulal, the Community Educator from the Khushaal Bachpan team, took the floor to explain the intricacies of various social security schemes. Participants were briefed about schemes such as the Social Security Scheme, Old Age Pension Scheme, Widow Pension Scheme, Divyang Pension Scheme, Palan Har Yojana, Shramik Card Scholarship Scheme, and Shubh Shakti Yojana along with many more. The discussion delved into the financial aspects of these schemes and outlined the procedural steps for availing the benefits.

The event not only disseminated crucial information but also fostered a sense of commitment and responsibility among the participants towards the well-being of children in the community. It has been determined that every 5th of the month, the committee will convene to review progress on the issues and the ongoing work.

Appreciating the effort of Caritas India, village sarpanch Joshna Meena said that the information shared about the schemes was very useful and they will work to spread this information to all the people in the village, those who have been unaware of it.

The workshop serves a crucial purpose in addressing the need for community empowerment and child protection. Additionally, the workshop was held to educate participants about various social security schemes, enabling them to access benefits. The collaborative effort and commitment fostered during the workshop contribute to creating a supportive environment for children and ensuring their well-being within the community.