Kodagu Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somashekar has directed officials to ensure that the benefits of the District Child Protection Unit reach eligible and deserving children. He was speaking after presiding over the Sponsorship and Guardianship Approval Committee meeting held recently at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The DC said the sponsorship scheme is being implemented as per Mission Vatsalya guidelines and stressed the need for effective protection, care and all-round development of children below 18 years. District Child Protection Unit Officer S. Honnegowda said Rs. 4,000 is being provided under the sponsorship scheme and that 102 applications were received for the third quarter of 2025-26, of which 92 have been submitted to the approval committee.
Child Protection Officer Sachin Suvarna explained that under the Upkar Scheme, implemented for the rehabilitation of children released from child care institutions and those above 18 years, eligible beneficiaries receive Rs. 5,000 per month along with institutional support for at least three years. He also said that under the Chief Minister’s Child Welfare Scheme, children who lost a parent due to Covid-19 receive Rs. 3,500 per month until they turn 18, with two beneficiaries currently receiving assistance in the district.
On the same occasion, the Executive District-Level Task Force and District Advisory Committee meeting of the District Child Labour Scheme Society was also held. The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to strengthen efforts to protect child and adolescent workers, create awareness to eliminate child labour, and ensure effective implementation of SC/ST Sub-Plan programmes. Learning materials were distributed to two beneficiaries.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kumar, Child Welfare Committee President Ambika and officials from various departments were present.
