RAIPUR – The Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CSCPCR) partnered with six state universities on Wednesday. These agreements establish a new post-graduate diploma course focused on child rights and protection. This initiative aims to develop trained professionals across Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced the program, named the Rakshak Curriculum , at his official residence in Raipur. Sai stated this is the first academic program of its kind in India. He emphasized the course will create trained professionals and generate employment opportunities within the crucial field of child welfare.
Rakshak Curriculum: Key Offerings
The Rakshak Curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive training for individuals dedicated to child protection. The course will equip students with a robust understanding of child-related issues. It covers essential theoretical and legal frameworks, including national child protection laws and international conventions on child rights.
Students will learn about government schemes, institutional mechanisms, and departmental processes integral to child protection. The curriculum also includes practical exposure through direct engagement with child protection units. This hands-on experience prepares graduates for real-world challenges in the field.
Six universities will offer the Post-Graduate Diploma:
- Pt Ravishankar Shukla University , Raipur
- Sant Gahira Guru University , Surguja
- Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism & Mass Communication , Raipur
- Anjaneya University , Raipur
- Amity University , Raipur
- Shri Shankaracharya Professional University , Bhilai-Durg
These collaborations aim to build a strong foundation of expertise across various regions of Chhattisgarh. Dr. Varnika Sharma, chairperson of CSCPCR, led the commission’s efforts in developing this program. Chief Minister Sai praised Dr. Sharma and her team for their swift implementation.
Addressing Child Vulnerability and Protection
Chief Minister Sai highlighted the critical need for specialized professionals in child protection. He noted that children frequently encounter vulnerable situations due to their innocence or lack of adequate guidance. These situations can include neglect, exploitation, abuse, and limited access to education or health services.
Sai stressed the collective responsibility to safeguard children and guide them toward a secure future. The Rakshak Curriculum directly addresses this need by creating a specialized workforce. These professionals will identify, intervene, and support children at risk. The program reinforces the state’s commitment to fortifying its child protection framework.
The diploma prepares graduates to handle complex cases. They will work to prevent child marriages, combat child labor, and ensure proper implementation of juvenile justice principles. The curriculum focuses on proactive measures and effective response strategies to protect children’s rights.
Future Impact and Career Paths
The introduction of this post-graduate diploma offers new career avenues for young adults. Graduates will be qualified for various roles within the child protection ecosystem. Potential employers include state child protection units, district legal services authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and research institutions.
Specific job functions could involve child welfare officers, protection specialists, project coordinators, and legal advocates for children. The program creates a dedicated pool of experts. These experts will drive positive change in child protection policies and practices.
By investing in specialized education, Chhattisgarh aims to enhance the quality and reach of its child protection services. This initiative supports the state’s broader objective of creating a safer and more nurturing environment for all its children. The Rakshak Curriculum establishes a benchmark for professional training in this vital sector.
The partnership signifies a strategic move to address social challenges through education. It ensures that future generations of child protection workers possess the skills and knowledge required for effective intervention and advocacy. This proactive approach strengthens child rights advocacy statewide.