Hyderabad: The government plans to partner with voluntary groups to teach children about “good touch and bad touch” through Anganwadi teachers. This initiative aims to enhance women’s safety policies.
Women and Child Welfare Minister Dhanasari Anasuya (Seethakka) shared this after a productive brainstorming meeting. These meetings will occur every three months, gathering insights from experts and organizations on women and child welfare.
Girls will learn about personal safety from Anganwadi teachers. Voluntary organizations focused on women’s safety will collaborate with these teachers. An upcoming meeting with these groups will help draft strong safety policies. An advisory committee of experts will also be established to strengthen welfare services. Friendship committees will form among girls to act as self-protection teams.
Seethakka highlighted the issue of abandoned newborns left in unsafe places. To address this, cradles will be installed in various locations for safe baby surrender, allowing the government to care for them.
Despite Telangana‘s 10-year existence, the Prevention of Child Marriage Act hasn’t been fully implemented. Seethakka stated that these rules will soon be adopted. Public awareness about the dangers of child marriages will increase through village assemblies and government programs.
The ICDS scheme began in Telangana, first initiated by freedom fighter Durgabai Deshmukh in 1972 in Mahabubnagar. Later, Indira Gandhi expanded it nationwide. Both women significantly contributed to the development of Anganwadi services.
