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Journalism of Courage
A city-based non-government organisation, Krishnayam, has decided to launch a campaign against child prostitution in the state.
The NGO has come up with a communication package through which it will highlight the social and legal problems arising from child prostitution.
“Children are increasingly being lured into prostitution. Although such cases can be reported on the government helpline number, 1098, very few people are aware about the number,” said Nibedita Ghosh, vice-president, Krishnayam.
According to Ghosh, the campaign will be divided into several phases.
Besides making people aware about the helpline by holding road shows, the NGO has tied up with radio channels and newspapers to make people aware about the issue through mass media.
“We are in talks with the All India Radio and are exploring options of working jointly on the issue. We also met the representatives of the state Social Welfare Department who promised their support for the cause,” said K L Chattopadhyay, secretary, Krishnayam.
According to Anindit Roy Choudhury of Sanglap, another city-based NGO, child prostitution is no longer an area specific problem. Choudhury believes that besides police action, such awareness campaigns will help in bringing about change in the society. According to the NGO, studies indicate that there are nearly 9 lakh sex workers in India, of whom 30 per cent are minors.
