Maharashtra does a first, to have child rights panel

The Maharashtra government has announced a comprehensive Child Development Policy 2002 that includes a proposal to set up a child rights com...

The Maharashtra government has announced a comprehensive Child Development Policy 2002 that includes a proposal to set up a child rights commission .

‘‘The existing child-related laws do not meet the standards of the Child Rights Convention declared by the UN in 1989,’’ Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said. ‘‘Maharashtra is the first state in the country to adopt such a policy,’’ he added.

Under the policy, the state Women and Child Welfare department will be the nodal agency for various child rights and protection programmes. A child protection office will be appointed in each district to coordinate with NGOs working for kids.

Story continues below this ad

Deshmukh said the allocation for child welfare schemes, which is Rs 550 crore now, will be increased by 10 per cent every year.

All expectant mothers will be registered and given a “yellow card” to avail of health and nutritional benefits. After the child’s birth, this card will be replaced by a ‘birthday card’’ to provide facilities like birth certificate, immunisation and detection of disabilities.

Zubeen Garg death case: Singer’s manager, fest organiser arrested

India19 min ago

The two prime suspects in the Zubeen Garg death case —North East India Festival (NEIF) chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Zubeen Garg's manager Siddhartha Sharma — have been arrested. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma gave the duo time till October 6 to appear before the CID. Both had assured of full cooperation.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS