Children’s Parliament highlights rise in child rights violations in Dakshina Kannada

Children’s Parliament highlights rise in child rights violations in Dakshina Kannada

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 9, 2025: Growing instances of child rights violations in Dakshina Kannada have raised serious concern, said Usman A, Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department. He was speaking at the Children’s Parliament organised by PADI in Mangaluru.

“We are trying to address these violations with the support of other departments,” he said, adding that the ‘Akka Pade’ initiative will soon be launched in the district to ensure the safety of women and children.

Usman also expressed concern over potential cases of child trafficking. “Though police records show that all missing children have been traced, there have been incidents of trafficking in the past,” he noted.

ACP (CCRB) Geetha Kulkarni urged the public to report cases of child labour and begging by calling the helpline 1098. Labour officer Wilma Tauro said three child labourers aged above 15 were rescued recently and have since been enrolled in school.

During the session, students raised a range of issues including the easy availability of drugs near educational institutions, child labour, begging, sexual assaults, and child marriage. “Drugs are sold even in petty shops near schools, and some parents are also addicted. Strict action must be taken against such shops,” one student said.

Children also highlighted the growing threat of cybercrimes and called for awareness programmes for students and parents. They demanded counsellors in schools, improved rehabilitation for sexual assault survivors, and campaigns against child marriage among migrant families.

Participants further sought nutritious food for children up to 18 years through anganwadis and complained that private buses were refusing to accept Chalo cards and student bus passes.