The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has been inspecting anganwadis, private and government schools, hostels, and other child care organisations across the State to see if child safety mechanisms and processes have been put in place there.

The commission decided to send its members on surprise inspections after it received a slew of complaints from various non-governmental organisations and those residing in these institutions. Y. Mariswamy, in-charge chairperson of the commission, said members would inspect 50 institutions a month and submit a report to the department concerned. “During our visits, we found gaps in the implementation of the policy in many institutions. Many of the schools still do not have a committee or a drop box where they can send their complaints,” he said.

The commission is also checking infrastructure in these organisations and nutrition provided to children. “During our visits to children’s homes and hostels, we found that there are inadequate toilets. Children are being given food in small quantities and also not what is specified,” Mr. Mariswamy added. The chairperson said soon after the visits, notices would be issued to institutions found lacking.

Child rights activist Nagasimha G. Rao said: “There is an urgent need to reform these institutions. Many of the staff in these institutions are not aware of the child safety policies. The commission can also conduct inquiries to see if they are educated on various rules and legislation.”